Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 2

774.00/8–752: Telegram

No. 1001
The Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery) to the Department of State¹

secret

Cairo, August 7, 1952—7 p.m.

295. Re Deptel 230, August 4.²

1. Present relations between Wafd and new regime is definitely not running as smoothly as Nahas and Serageddin had hoped when they took initiative in returning to Egypt re mytel 294, August 7.³ Whereas Army feared power of Wafd at beginning of coup, now that coup has succeeded, it has lost much of that fear and envisages a Wafd-less future for an Egypt led by Ali Maher with strong army support as his more or less silent partner. In his previous premiership, Maher placated Wafd because of his complete lack of support from sources other than Palace. Today he has awakened Army behind him and is in less need of Wafd. So long as there is possibility of his making a go of governing in collaboration with military, Nahas and Serageddin can expect only trouble from him.

2. Members of Moslem Bros were undoubtedly among orig Army coup group and are still in position some influence. That this influence is not predominant is indicated in such programs supported by Army as (1) favoring MEC, (2) looking toward West for mil equipment and aid, (3) agreeing to Moneim as one of three regents. Bros are, of course, implacably opposed each of these.

3. Salaheddin forming new “young” Wafd in collaboration with new regime seems improb. Wafd org and money still held firmly in Serageddin, Nahas and Abboud hands and reasoning first para above wld indicate Army in any event wld be little interested so long as poss Maher-army collab’s success remains.

Caffery

1. Repeated to London as telegram 91 and unnumbered to Paris, Ankara, Rome, Moscow, the Arab capitals, Tehran, Tel Aviv, Tripoli, and Tangier.

2. In telegram 230 to Cairo, Aug. 4, not printed, the Department instructed as follows:

   “Dept wld appreciate ur present evaluation (1) relationship between new regime and Wafd as repd by Nahas and Serageddin; (2) relationship new regime and Moslem Brotherhood; and (3) possibility Salaheddin and younger elements Wafd may be able reach understanding with new regime.” (774.00/8–452)

3. Not printed.