883.00/8–249: Airgram
The Chargé in Egypt (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
A–819. The evacuation of British troops, the unity of the Nile Valley, the maintenance of public security, and the conduct of fair elections were announced as the new Cabinet’s principal objectives in Prime Minister Hussein Sirry Pasha’s initial policy statement to the Chamber of Deputies last night. The new premier emphasized that the King’s desire for the formation of a truly national Cabinet has now been realized. He revealed that he has already ordered the release of 295 political prisoners, but gave no indication of his attitude towards martial law.
The text of the Prime Minister’s statement, as unofficially translated, was as follows:
[Here follow the text of the statement and two paragraphs of general comment.]
It is noted that Sirry Pasha placed evacuation and Nile Valley unity at the head of the list of his government’s objectives. Information reaching the Embassy has indicated that the King’s desire to negotiate a new treaty with the British was the principal factor behind the recent Cabinet change, and that Sirry Pasha expects, after this fall’s elections, to conduct these negotiations.
[Here follows remainder of airgram on discussion of the Prime Minister’s statement by the Chamber of Deputies, the release of internees, and the like.]