Neo-Gaullists on fence, lifting Socialist's chances

The chances of Socialist Francois Mitterrand in the French presidential election have been boosted by the neo-Gaullist party's decision not to take sides for the May 10 runoff poll. The Central Committee of the Rally for the Republic said after a stormy session that Gaullist voters should act according to their conscience. The decision not to choose between President Valery Giscard d'Estaing and Mr. Mitterrand, the two candidates left in the race after the first round of voting April 26, was seen by most commentators as a blow for the incumbent.