One beneficial effect of Charles de Gaulle's memorable declaration on January 14 was that it clarified issues which were badly confused even in the minds of the politicians. The immediate outcry was, of course, tremendous, not only in die American and British press, but in the European capitals as well. Yet, as de Gaulle stuck by his guns and calmly went on to torpedo the Brussels negotiations, it became clear that he meant what he said; as always, one man's firmness—the press pointed out how rare this quality is today—obliges others to accommodate themselves to his views and will.