I read a stat that said 90% of the population of Oran was of European descent at the time of independance. I don't know about the whole region but I would say the Oranais was still predominently European, compared to a region wide average of about 15% (1 million Europeans vs a total pop upward of 7M).
As such, it seems possible that the French would have kept the region as a French department while letting the rest go.
Would that have been possible? Was it discussed? What would have been the consequences?
I would see a less diverse mainland France as a result, both because of the arabs but also because of the North African jewish population. It probably wouldn't have been such a blow to French ego.
Any thoughts?