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

774.00/3–2754: Telegram

No. 1308
The Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery) to the Department of State¹

confidential
niact

Cairo, March 27, 1954—midnight.

1187. Good natured crowds started pro RCC demonstrations this evening downtown Cairo thence to RCC headquarters and dispersed. Press sources say other groups, mostly Wafd, meanwhile demonstrated pro Naguib.

ESB announced transport, textile, merchant, agricultural workers, and printing press syndicates various areas have come out against civilian government. Other sources say syndicates oganizing sit down and hunger strikes against restoration political parties.

Few hours ago Major Amin Shaker called press conference and issued statement “in name RCC” denouncing Naguib as playing into hands of subversive elements. Shaker queried by well known Egyptian newsman later said he issued statement own authority not on behalf RCC and is withdrawing it. Meanwhile, wire services have sent stories.

Caffery

1. Repeated to London priority as telegram 394.