741.83/1–2847: Telegram
The Ambassador in Egypt (Tuck) to the Secretary of State
109. Nokrashy Pasha, as anticipated in my telegram 106 [103], January 26,1 announced to Chamber of Deputies last night the breaking off of Anglo-Egyptian treaty negotiations and Egyptian Government’s decision to appeal “the whole case” to the Security Council. At end of tempestuous 4-hour session, unexpectedly attended by King Farouk, and marked by altercations between opposition and Government deputies and by bitter and violent attacks on Great Britain by opposition, Premier received vote of confidence, 175 to 15 with 6 abstentions. Seven of 24 Makramist Deputies deserted Makram Pasha to join vote of confidence.
Prime Minister, after briefly reviewing talks between British Ambassador and himself, January 25, said that the Cabinet had taken the [Page 763] following decision: “The Egyptian Government had gone to the furtherest possible extent to conclude an agreement with the British Government. Nevertheless, it found that the proposals made by British side do not satisfy our national rights. Therefore, the Cabinet has decided to submit the country’s case to the Security Council.” Same statement later delivered to Senate, which is to hold debate tonight.
[Here follows one paragraph giving the views of the opposition in the Chamber of Deputies.]
Nokrashy replied that the decision to go to SC and not Assembly based on advice of experts. Foreign Affairs Committee of Senate and of Chamber would hold joint meeting February 5 to consider future procedure. Egyptian Government had conducted negotiations with “patience, diligence and good will” in effort to reconcile divergent points, but without satisfactory results. He reiterated Egypt’s stand on Sudan as being permanent unity of Sudan and Egypt, affirmed by will of people and by existing realities, including common language, religion, race, and interests. Not one aspect of civilization and progress existed in Sudan but for which Egypt had paid in the most difficult financial times [terms?] under the inspiration of its desire to discharge “duty of reform in every district of Lower and Upper Egypt”. Egypt now sought no advantage save the prosperity of the Sudan and the well-being of its people. All evidence of British policy pointed to fact that attempt to separate Sudan from Egypt has continued and is unabated. It was, however, object of his complaint and protest.
At conclusion of speech, after appeal for unity, Deputies rose in vociferous ovation, followed by vote of confidence.
Appearance at debate of King, who received frequent cheers as “King of Egypt and Sudan”, regarded here as confirming his personal support of Nokrashy and of his Cabinet’s policy on the treaty.
Sent Department 109; repeated London 11.
- Not printed.↩