641.74/12–651: Telegram
The Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery) to the Department of State 1
828. Without ref to the varied causes which have brought Egypts to the white-heated animosity against the Brit mentioned mytel 825, Dec 52 it is important in any thinking re current sitn bear fully in mind the fact that this animosity is deeply genuine and permeates the entire society. There are no longer elements of the press, officialdom or the public to whom we can look for rationality on this question. Even the Pasha element shows signs of wavering in the Iron Curtain direction directly against their own vested interests.
Within the last few days over expression this animosity has taken the form of a widespread movement in demonstrations and hysterical edits, not against Brit but against Egypt Govt and Serageddin particular for holding Egypt people in leash. Early Extremist demands for giving free rein to liberation battalions, arming the people, severing all relations with the Brit, etc., have become the gen cry.
Serageddin is not yet beaten, but last evening in closing univs and schools, ordering police to use force in stopping demonstrations and appealing to public for support against “enemies of order and security” he was moving in direction of last resort measures. These measures may result temporary artificial appearance calm but pressure will continue increase toward explosion point unless fundamental change occurs soon including Brit Mil thinking from attitude retaliation to one of conciliation and genuine attempt find a solution; and price for solution is going daily higher.
On Egypt Govt side one important difficulty is that terrorist alleged commandos in zone with govt encouragement have become [Page 431] natl heroes and the vocal public are calling upon them daily for bigger and better outrages against Brit troops.
- Repeated to London, Paris for MacArthur, Ankara.↩
- Not printed. It reported that because of military requirements arising out of acts of terrorism in the canal zone, British authorities had reimposed severe restrictions on road traffic between Suez and Cairo and a temporary stoppage of oil shipments; “We are therefore,” Caffery reported, “for one reason or another back to where we started on the oil question.” Caffery concluded: “While I question the [British] Generals good faith I do not recommend making an issue of this yet in view of the awful hole they are in at this juncture but we must face the fact that Egyptian animosity against them has risen to such white heat that a real explosion seems inevitable.” (641.74/12–551)↩