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

774.00/3–2854: Telegram

No. 1310
The Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery) to the Department of State¹

confidential
priority

Cairo, March 28, 1954—1 p.m.

1189. Reliable Egyptian source close to RCC states that Air Force officers held meeting three days ago under chairmanship Sidqi, Air Force Chief of Staff (non-free officers) at which decision taken to reject decisions reported Embtel 1167 and insist on RCC remaining. All Air Force units reportedly contacted and decisions supported by all officers. Navy subsequently followed suit. Beginning with infantry, all branches of Army yesterday adopted same decisions (five pro-Khaled Muheiddin cavalry officers reportedly abstained on decision and have been ordered by fellow cavalry officers to remain at home).

Deputations of officers representing all branches armed forces last night presented decisions to Nasir and to Naguib on his return from Alexandria. In face of these decisions by armed forces and mounting demonstrations of support for RCC, Naguib went about midnight to King Saud to seek his protection and, if necessary, refuge in Saudi Arabia.

As reported mytel 1188, King Saud called in Nasir with view to mediating dispute. Nasir reviewed in detail history Naguib–RCC relationship and Naguib reportedly stated he was willing to do whatever RCC desired.

RCC has been meeting at GHQ this morning and will meet with Naguib shortly. No indication yet what decision will be taken in Naguib’s regard.

Al Misri today openly advocates Wafd–Communist–Ikhwan front. Ikhwan leader Hodeibi spent several hours with Nasir last night and called on Naguib this morning.

Caffery

1. Repeated to London as telegram 396, to Amman as telegram 77, to Baghdad as telegram 51, to Beirut as telegram 88, to Damascus as telegram 41, to Jidda as telegram 33, and unnumbered to Paris, Bonn, Rome, and Valletta.