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

774.00/3–2854: Telegram

No. 1309
The Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery) to the Department of State¹

confidential
priority

Cairo, March 28, 1954—noon.

1188. Re Embtel 1187, RCC subsequently denied Shaker statement.

On return from visit to Alexandria last night King Saud and Naguib held midnight meeting which Nasir and Sanhouri were shortly after invited to join. This morning’s press announces meeting broke up 2:30 a.m. and will reconvene again this morning. Also announces Saud has postponed departure 24 hours presumably to mediate Naguib–RCC dispute.

Transport workers strike in favor RCC spreading. Now includes railway, tram and bus workers in Cairo. Press says group trade union leaders have issued statement demanding following:

1. No political parties.

2. Maintenance RCC until evacuation achieved.

3. Creation body representing syndicates, trade unions and all forms of organizations to act as national assembly to which all RCC decisions must be submitted.

4. No electoral campaign until evacuation achieved.

According press civilian ministers withdrew their resignations and expressed support RCC.

Increasingly large crowds including students gathering this morning in Abdin Square. Some pro-Naguib, more pro-RCC. Being kept apart by security forces. Other smaller groups marching in peaceful demonstrations about town. Security forces appear to have situation under control.

Caffery

1. Repeated to London as telegram 395, to Amman as telegram 76, to Beirut as telegram 87, to Baghdad as telegram 50, to Damascus as telegram 40, to Jidda as telegram 32, and unnumbered to Paris, Bonn, Rome, and Valletta.