883.00/1125: Telegram

The Chargé in Egypt ( Hare ) to the Secretary of State

118. Legation’s telegram No. 111, June 18, 6 p.m.9 Announcement was made yesterday of the acceptance of Aly Maher’s resignation as Prime Minister but his successor has not yet been chosen. Dr. Ahmed Maher, the Prime Minister’s brother, regarded as most likely candidate.

King Farouk was reluctant up to the last to yield to British pressure exerted to bring about removal and went so far several days ago as to make a personal appeal to King George but the latter courteously but firmly declined to intervene.

Before deciding to accept the Prime Minister’s resignation the King on Saturday called a meeting of leaders of all parties at the Palace with a view to the formation of a National Government but Nahas Pasha10 is reported to have refused to lead or cooperate with such a government [unless?] new elections were held. The formation of the new Cabinet was thereupon left to King.

It is regarded as significant that the political leaders at the meeting were unanimous in endorsing Aly Maher’s foreign policy of living up to the treaty with Great Britain loyally but endeavoring to keep Egypt out of war despite fact that it was largely on this issue that the present crisis was precipitated. There is no doubt that public opinion here is still strongly against the entry of Egypt into the war.

Hare
  1. Not printed.
  2. Former Prime Minister, leader of Wafd Party.