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1 -O JUN
Parliamentary Anglo-Egyptian Committee * Registry \ . *r Number / 2501/1/16- Proposal to create second Parliamentary FROM Anglo-lgyptian Committee has been abandoned* A.C.Bossom* Existing Committee will now meet to decide (1) education of inviting House of Lords to participate No' (to Mr.KelIyl7 in Committee (2) question of establishing a Personal* special constitution for the Committee* 0«/«* 23rd Jwie, Received \ in Registry /26tk Jtine, 1939.- J : Egypt and Sudani*
Last Paper. (Minutes.)
References. This letter reached me before the return of the iO draft telegram attached and I am afraid it makes the^ telegram out of date. Could Mr. Loxley find out whether the old committee has met again and with what result ? (Print.) I should like if possible to repxy to Sir Miles Lamp son (whose telegram in J 2316 is now 3 weeks old) this week. ICO disposed of.) tr^ 27th June 1939.
I met Sir John flardlaw-Milne yesterday and he told me that although he was going to put Sir Thomas Moore's scheme to the old Coranittee next week, he was very doubtful if they would accept it except perhaps as (Action (Index.) completed.) regards-inviting some peers to join them. He feels» first% that a committee of all parties is likely to V do nothing, secondly, that the proposed social Next Paper. activities would be much better left to some organisa- tion outside Parliament, and, thirdly, that the only 16757 3/38 F.O.P. concrete/ 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 i 2
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concrete result would probably be entertainments for Nashat Pasha.
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You'may be interested to know that last night we definitely stopped the creation of the second Anglo-Egyptian Committee, and the arrangement now is that the former Committee, of which by the way there are lj-2 members , shall meet (and any member who supports the Government is welcome) to decider- la) 1'hether we shall invite the Lords to ooin us (b) Whether we wish to try and make a special constitution and elect a lot of officers, etc. What will happen, I have no doubt, will be that we shall certainly be delighted to have Lords, but we shall not have the constitution because we do not wish to commit ourselves to do or not to do cer.tain things in advance. The constitution of the British Empire seems a good enough pattern for \isl Other things I can tell you when we meet but I would rather not put them in a letter.
D.V.Kelly, Esq.. , G.M.G. ,M.G. Foreign Office, Downing Street , S.W.I J :OU
~')(•"•A ' UU. II IHM *
to f*ai» join* the situation as i*egaMs
it. to Sir Miles im
(3d.) D.V. KELLY PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE • TO 311/2.3306; ; __^ subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your °""J _ . .. . , i!__ : :..„_ ;~ tha an^ineort 'Terms ana nonriitions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
the 8 tli J«j» «bot*t Coa<t&e until «ltawtloa
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It Paper.
17652 8/38 r.o.p 1 2 1 —
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& list oi' , osi,iule ^mi'ta f js* this i.^lled a feene&ietion on hi* preset* k» a i att^r -if t®tc%? J^ord aa*llfax fttad not ^i'.'©r«d the :istlei* at all* Sir a* 'ef" th* aid ,f ma?,' is e to fey tiie
of til® Parliam©stary Uoitep"S€ei'«ta,i7't a^ a rt&salt at Six' to eall tl» old ta t& Siz» Tlacitta® Hc?» Bli" Jolill to 16 nfi tHat lie that of te^lf-tee of ti» ©Id will ' is@ias la. ,«i far of the lv)us® of Loras to |»a* 1 that fee that am all-paft would probably be ineffective tJ wottlci pa that seetlag of @ld cosamit tee will next we^ls we will fail to l»t y®*t
(Index.)
it Paper.
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tat;* vhut baifta* You will mm Padh«*s report to his Pviue *lai8t*r rather that our teXevom lio* 4S «f the fe» «O3pr«a as fsf «LS it went*
set Paper. 2\ cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
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JUl. K o
This tempest "in a "brow of Egypt" is now abating. I have had a series of conversations, pouring oil on the Nilean waters.. Sir Thomas Moore, M.P., was unexpectedly tractable. At my behest he has broken with the fussy Mr. Yehia in a brusque letter of dismissal almost libellous. Moore denies that he ever used the Secretary of State's name, or saw him, but he seems sincere in assuming that he had Foreign Office approval for his scheme. Apparently he has had frequent conversations with the Egyptian Ambassadors who told him inter alia that he had mentioned the matter to the Secretary of State. On that understanding (or rather misunderstanding) Moore wrote to Birkenhead for a list of peers Egyptianally- inclined and it was duly supplied. His Excellency also hinted that Sir John Wardlaw-Milne, the present chairman of the Parliamentary Anglo-Egyptian Committee, was not persona grata to the Egyptians. The old Committee was formed long ago with the object of defending British interests in Cairo and in any case it met rarely and was moribund. There is some truth in this allegation. Moore's Committee, recruited from both Houses, was to be active, more social and was to have, in view of the altered circumstances, a different but - namely the promotion of better relations between the two countries. It was convened yesterday. Sir Nairne Sandeman, M.P., disapproves of Moore and his Nazi-Hohenlohe associations and thinks Yehia "the whipping boy" of this muddle. Mr. Bossom, M.P., loyal and sensible, helped me to soothe Sir Thomas Moore and persuade him that the existence of two separate Parliamentary Committees would only defeat their/ cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I *«.-. To 3T1/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
their common object. Sir John Wardlaw-MiJne, who was dignified and affronted, remained aloof, but at yesterday's meeting of the new Committee a compromise was reached and Sir John ?/ardlaw-Milne who was present (he had not been originally invited to attend, but I was able to bridge that little difficulty) was asked to call a meeting of the older Committee with a view of combining with the new-born one in the hope that a happy fusion of the two elements would result in a more energetic pro-Egyptian policy. All the gentlemen, whilst not outstandingly complimentary about on§ another, were helpful and accommodating to me and realised that "Virtue alone outbuilds the Pyramids; Her monuments shall last when Egypt's fall."
June 22, 1939. 11 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I •) I 2 ** To 3TI/Z3306. J5807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
I n..." V ,e.if n• V nj *
EGYPT and
Offer to King; garouk of Colonelcy of a British Registry \ J 2609/1/16 Regiment. Number ( Refers to Foreign Office telegram No. 469 of 30th TELEGRAM FROM Sir June (J 2466/1/16). Lampson. (Oairo) Agrees to suggested offer forthwith to King Farouk of a Colonelcy of a British Regiment, and No. 403 Deeypher. believes offer ?/ould be well received. Understands Important. that His Majesty remains well-disposed towards His Dated 4th July, Majesty's Government. Enquires whether he may make Received \ 4th the offer when he is next received by King Farouk. « Registry J 1939
Egypt and Sudan Last Paper.
References.
A/W*AC ^
(Action completed.)
Next Paper.
«S74i 9/37 K.O.P. f 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I •) I 2 ** To 311/2:3306. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
I -understand Sir L»01iphant has been dealing with'this qtaestion personally
(Signed! E..M.Rose 35th-July* 1939
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4 JUL ID',;
I Ulexindrla). ^ _ , Sir 1* 4th July, B* 10*06 a*a. 4th Inly, X9S8« 1. 10,40 «• a* No*
\_ , ,,, , _ /, > Your telegraa la* 46S* 1 -u btf / ' ^ ;! to o .la the.ligbt of last paragraph I agree to suggested offer fortiarith of a Goloiieiey of a'&rltitl which I aw teller would be well rtctiftt If I we£e. to gife A hint oa the lines of thut I «attrsta»4 King Fayomk still -rwttlns well disposed towards vs.-1 MY© applied to be reeeiYei. "by His Majesty in the near fiitar* tad 1 should like if ptssiile to toe then to make the offer to Mm* lay I t© sot
JUL PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I **f. Fo 3T1/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 21 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE iris I *** Fb 311/2.3306. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ms I 1
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(J §609/1/16),
Cypher telegram, to Sir I. Lmpmn (Alexandria) Foreign Office. 7th Julj, 1959. s.&. Ho* 475.
lour teltgrn lo, 405 [of 4th July . King Faro*]. • Following fpoa OUphantt latter is beiag pursued urgently bat I ewet anticipate final ' not mention matter. *«.-. FG 3TI/Z3306. ?5*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
•15
JUL
Resignation of Moharned Mahmoud Pasha, Prime Minister of Egypt. Registry '~ Records conversation on 3rd July with Egyptian Number f J 2616/1/16. Prime Minister, who said that owing "to toad health and TELEGRAM FROM* worry in regard to King Farouk, he had decided to re- Sir Miles Larapson, sign, and. "faegged that decision "be kept secret. He said (Cairo) that if King Farouk wanted to govern constitutionally, *°' 402. Decypher his successor must "be Ahmed Maher; if not, then Ali Secret. Maher;v also refened to Abdul Fattah Yehia. He spoke Dated 3rd July 193g, pessimistically of King Farouk, tout said that visit Received \^ to England might effect improvement. Feels that His in Registry /4th July Majesty's Government cannot fairly try t«* stop Moharaed 1939, Mahmoud Pasha resigning. Comments on possitoility of attempt toy Palace to dispense with Parliament. J : Egypt and Sudan. ; * ^ Last Paper. (Minutes.)
References. For some time past the Sgyp tian Prime Minister has toeen in toad health and frequently confined to his toed with the result that it has toeen difficult to obtain decisions from hip. It is, however, most unfortunate that he should now have definitely decided (Print.) that he must resign. He has toeen our prop and mainstay in Egyptian affairs and I fear that after he has gone (How disposed of.) we shall have trouble- / Of the three possitole successors mentioned toy \/ lohamed Mahmoud Pasha* Atodul Fattah Yehia is the presenl Minister for Foreign Affairs, a complete and extremely vain nonentity, who was premier in 1933 and 1934 when he covered himself in ridicule. Ahmed Maher Pasha is the present Minister for Finance/f «ua<^»V»« was implicated in the murder of the late Sirjgw. StacMX ; he is a genuine patriot and a strong "believer in constitutional govern- ment. If he were to "become Prime Minister there may well toe a clash with King Farouk. Ali Maher Pasha, the (Action (Index.) completed.) King's chef de cabinet is an arch intriguer and no "believer in the "benefits of parliamentary government in Sgypt. Pie is, however, deeply attached to his "brother, Next Paper. Ahmed Maher. If he were to become Prime Minister there
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will, as Sir Miles Lampson forecasts in the last para graph of this telegram, probably be trouble with. parliament and public disturbances. Altogether this is a sorry state of affairs. All three possible successors to Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha have behaved loyally towards us during the past year and none of them has, so far as we are aware, intrigued with either the Germans or the Italians. All three are also on g ood terms with Sir Miles Lampson. Interference in internal affairs in Egypt must be avoided so far as possible* but Sir Miles Lampson is quite right in stating that any attempt by the Palace to dispense with parliament would be disastrous We cannot afford to have internal troubles in Egypt at the present time and I submit that Sir Miles Lampsjon should be given discretion to throw his full weight into the scale against any attempt to dispense with parliament. However, if King Parouk is thwarted and becomes antagonistic we shall have to be on our guarc for intrigues on his part with the Italians and Germgnns, in which event an even stronger attitude will have tc be adopted and he may have to be reminded of the fate of his predecessor, the Khedive Abbas Halim^in 1914. As regards an invitation to England, it hadf beer decided on another paper that a State visit by King Parouk to this country would not be convenient this year, r would suggest that we should wait and see what the result of the interview between Mohamed MahiJ loud pasha and King Parouk may be and then we might perhaj consider asking Sir Miles Lampson whether he thinks that a State visit by King Parouk to this country earlier than next year would really save the situati V~ 5th" Juy 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2
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t^^ cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE insI , To 3?1/Z33o6. 85807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I *ef, Fo 3TI/Z33Q6. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
.17
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Deoypher. Sir I. Lampson (Alexandria). July 5rd 1939. D. 11.6 p.m. July 3rd 1939. R. 9.30 a.m. July 3rd 1939. No.402.
SECRET. Prime Minister told me this morning that owing to continued bad health aggravated by perpetual worry in regard to King ffarouk he had decided that he must resign. He had asked to see King Parouk who had professed inability to receive him till next week (this in itself, commented His Excellency, would show how His Majesty neglected his responsibilities instead of keeping in continuous touch with his Prime Minister). His Excellency begged me to keep his decision absolutely secret: and if I informed my Government he begged that they would do the same - and he mentioned Egyptian Ambassador in London in particular as one to whom nothing should be said. 2. I made the obvious points and expressed the greatest regret which I .was sure would be shared by Your Lordship. His Excellency had worked most loyally with us and I was aghast at his going just at this time of acute international tension. If it was really a case of health I did not feel justified in attempting to dissuade him. flfas his decision irrevocable? His Excellency intimated that it was: only thing that could have kept him on w.quld have been to have Amin Osman as Secretary General of the v. -ft41 '.nA; /',.f:% Cabinet 11 21cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 2 Fo 3TI/Z3306. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
Cabinet to take weight off his shoulders: but unfortunately King Farouk had developed'an obsession against Amin Qsman and would never agree to such an appointment. I enquired whether I could help at all when I was received by King Farouk. But His Excellency earnestly begged me not to. He would tell His Imjesty that he wished to resign and would see what he said: and would at once come round after his audience to te}JL me the result - probably next week, 3. Realising it would be unfair and probably useless to bring pressure to bear on him to stay on I asked his ideas regarding his successor. He said it all depended: if the King wanted to govern constitutionally with a parliament then it must be Ahmed iaher: if not then Ali Maher. There was a third alternative of Abdul Fattah Yehia. I said I hoped that we might rule out the last: this was no time to entrust the nation's destiny to a nonentity however well meaning and amiable. It would be a tragedy if King Farouk did anything now to provoke a constitutional crisis: the constitution might be good or bad but it existed and must be accepted. To violate or trifle with it would in my considered view be fatal probably involving the King himself. Indeed so strongly did I feel I hoped that His Excellency would not mince his words with King Farouk if the latter inclined that way. I would go further and much though I should dislike such a development I felt that with imminent danger of war my government might and probably would feel that the allied interests were at stake and would wish to take action to prevent any such unwisdom by King Farouk. I repeated I hoped His Excellency would use his utmost endeavour to prevent King Farouk from I PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I **• To 3T1/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
19
5, from being so unwise and so unpatriotic. For the rest I felt no doubt that apart from the constitutional issues I could work perfectly well with either of the Maher "brothers. 4. Prime Minister spoke pessimistically of King Farouk. His Majesty had lost all his popularity and His Excellency was very definite his failure was inevitable. I suggested that all the stories afloat might not be true: perhaps only about 50^ His Excellency replied unfortunately not: at least 70fb including <» nocturnal wanderings were true. His Excellency had no desire to be associated with the crash when it came. 5. I asked how His ^ajesty was as regards ourselves. Was I not right in believing Still much better.? - • His Excellency answered in the affirmative: and as regards myself now definitely friendly and well disposed. But the King remained a perpetual source of embarrassment to his government and His Excellency was tired by the continuous endeavour to keep him straight. I asked, speaking purely personally and most confidentially, whether His Excellency did not think that an invitation to England might help to save the situation. His Excellency said he thought it might especially if the Prime Minister and Lord Halifax could warn His Majesty during such a visit to mend his ways. He believed such advice from such an impressive quarter might prove effective. 6. I suggested at one moment the possibility of a national government but His Excellency regarded such a possibility as remote, fafd would never play and King Farouk would not have any truck with Nahas Pasha. 7, 11 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 1 2 ***.• To S"?1/Z33o6. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
4. 7. It is most unfortunate that Mohammed Mahmoud should feel compelled to leave office: and particularly regrettable just now. But I do not feel we can fairly try to stop him for he is a sick man and King Farouk has got "badly on his Serves. I hope Your Lordship shares my view as to disastrous effect of any attempt "by the Palace to dispense with parliament and that I shall he justified if necessary in throwing my full weight into the ssale against anything of the sort. Prime Minister was explicit that f parliament would not tolerate Ali Maher. Though it is possible that subservient chamber might by threats of dissolution "be made to support Ali Maher his appointment would at the least greatly increase the difficulties of handling parliament, fafd who as far as my information goes still have the "bulk of the population behind them hate both the. Maher brothers but probably Ali at the present moment more than Ahmed. I 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 *ef.: Fo S11/Z3306. 85807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
to Sir lt» LaBgwon . (Cairo)« Util J*br.
SP« 406 ief
it ; ©r . ... attMpt to wad 1 that yota* into the iwt aw im 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 i 2
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:;: "" ^r-r^ — . •' •
Tel, No.—Whitehall 9400.
Any further communication on this subject THE WAR OFFICE, The The War Office, London, S.W.I, LONDON, S.W.I. and the following number quoted.
6388 (M.I. 2) 21st July, 1939. 11
The Director of Military Operations and Intelligence presents his compliments to the Superintending Tinder-Secretary of State, Egyptian Department, Foreign Office, and begs to request that he may be supplied ?/ith a copy of Telegram 'No. 4-02, dated 3rd July, 1939, from Cairo.
>xt Paper.
14169 ii/36/F.O.r
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\\°v
EGYPT and 10 JUL 19-
Egypt's obligations under Anglo-Egyptian Treaty g££ } J 2662/1/16* "of Alliance» Transmits French Press translation of speeclt FROM Sir J. delivered by Dr.Ahmed Maher Pasha to his CG.aire* constituents on 30th June regarding Anglo- Egyptian Treaty of Alliance* Dr.Ahmed Maher Pasha N°' 821 (33/19/39)* pointed out that geographical situation of Egpt excludes possibility of her not being involved in. a 5th July, a world war, and argued that it would be better fop Received \ Egypt to fulfil her obligations loyally than t© be in Registry ^th Jul^ reluctantly driven into doing so* 1939* J : Egypt and Sudan*
Last Paper. (Minutes.)
References.
(Print.)
(How disposed o/.)
(Action completed.)
Next Paper.
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COPY SEIT BY AIR BAG. OT Ho. 821 BRITISH EMBASSY, (33/19/39) ALEXANDRIA. ft. th July, 1939. My Lord,
I have the honour to transmit herewith a French Press translation of an important speech delivered by Dr. Ahmed Maher Pasha to his constituents on the 30th June regarding the Anglo-Sgyptian Treaty. I happened to meet the Pasha on 1st July, and expressed ray appreciation of the soundness of his views. 2. After a sarcastic reference to the Wafd's former eulogistic praise of the Treaty, His Excellency demolishes the thesis of those Egyptians who argue that there is no reason why Egypt should be dragged into England's difficulties and be made to take a share in her burdens, when Egypt is desirous of remaining at peace with everybody. The Pasha points out that the geographi- cal situation of Egypt excludes the possibility of her not being involved in a world war and that her pacific intentions can change nothing as to that. Which being so, he argues that it is better for Egypt to fulfil her obligations loyally rather than to be reluctantly driven into doing so. 3. His Excellency emphasises that no nation, not even England, can stand alone today. If the powerful British Empire is compelled to seek agreements with other powers, how can one reproach Egypt for following/ suit and for an alliance with such a great power? In conclusion, His Excellency enquires whether any man of honour can
The Right Honourable /reproach Viscount Halifax, KG., PC., GCSI., GGIE., etc., etc., etc. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I ***.- To 311/Z33Q6. 85307 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
reproach Egypt for carrying out her obligations under the Alliance or reproach the Government for making every possible preparation for the defence of Egyptian independence. I have the honour to be, With the highest respect, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, humble Servant cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 85807 j **/..• Fb "3TI/Z33Q6;- - r . Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
FAIT OH JOUR "Le Journal r D'Egypte".
3rd. July. 1959.
Le Dr. AhmedMaher Pacha declare: desir de'VEgypte de rester jnantfe, n'empechera *4€, I'wkt aquer ou de 'la violer, pa.rticuliers I*exigent ».
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. 3,3,,, .,£.„..,. ,.,t,,,.,,. "'|jtt ^gra^am ; ,^^s^l^^^i«a^^: ii^|Sj*ia: - i»i»ipajrti|fe|ls^^n^p4.: uw.-rwrtar-' tie :V$0$$iJ3j£j^: ^^;fjl^||^%^;.nib^^;exli«»' •,• •.:La('«it|iation •:V-.^l^p|i||w^, —d» • lggyj^ef,^en|Beji|^pK|^SP: g.,,,,,,,,,K,te;^*,,,,,,,,,..^ •"fart ^U'n^-V^eS-^jrli^ll^^i^l^llp :ve;rJde«|iieiSis^^;^l^|^l^»''* *:h||tt»^i^IMi§:W}«P iHi'^a^|^-^v;'#J^t^^^^^'-v •- .P ^(P"i^i|i|iiii^^^fcil " Ceiix qiii oht < te: Ie (focument ftert ! ::: mtoirtsn<|pi;;;^ la ^nises ? ^f">'¥" ;t^i3M;||:;^|^i|ii|t':^^!tt' r-":1*elp:'^^||i||i||^ 'i|p^-i;il^|^i^)|^|f i^^ s*^|£ r --^f •/^"ii^^''^l^pp^p;1^^^ i:|^^^-^|ij^)^p^l|i(^-^p^-:t. pa:ci^^^f^|S||ai3nfilJifvii-. d||feiili|;:|^^ t:vMfe. ^'^i^tlii^ilMplii^ ••.^t^j'^l^^^^^i^lt^'ii^f:: ' 'avec. '-I'tthfr-^uelfloffiit^ile''?; -;iJRiu*8| '^^'•jjmfi^^^^jt^^^, •• sances, n^y/'" :«jliaiige;r% rie«yv (ju'e. ••^i^iK^^w^^^^f^^^^t.^, nous Ie voulions_ou nan, telle est -..^v. ,. L,-- En apparence, ces paroles sont la situation resile. II est don& pre» .eJlnfes, wais /aM-f^nd,, elles f6rabe pjotfr nous de *io^6; a^juit- ti^r/die nos bbligatibnj|; e*' tie; nd» sont fausse'A Le sincere desir de engagements vis-a-vis de notre al- I'Egyptel de rester I'amie de tout liee, plutot '•^;^|s|ftj^:Rii!!H«8*a! Ie mondo n'empechera qui que de contre-coeur. • -^^i*.•,;•.;';/ }'- sort de I'attaquer et de violer aes drdits si sss interets particuliers J^fofe^^lp^ ;.. ' I'exlgent. « C'eat pourquoi et des Ie debut ;Wl|^f|&|^^|||f i^v';'' de-; sa renaissance, I'Egypte a ,. .?.:L^afliani!iB;^|tei'^||||||^ tendu a reconqu^rir see drolls gleterren'est pas une innovation. et a conolure avec I'Angleterre :rA^T^|y|§ii!l^|S|^f^plp|l^ - |ten- Une alliaitcd d'fgal a 6gal. C'est .; i^|^|^^^i||^^^^^l|i|K/:«8 I'embleme et Ie symboie perma- ;; ia 'reoit^oi^piE^i^||i^^|^il0^ nent,' du mouvemeht national. ,- veir* ja;;i^^|ip^|^|^^l!B|e>» C'est ce qu'avait pr6conls£ feu ~:n^jonau"x,:«ic|pi||^|pf^ Aly Chaaraou : l:;: : nos engagements. Autrement, Ie -elles "et.': les^;;'grj^rti^ . et' - petftes traits perdra son caractere I6eal Puissances. Cela ne s'est pas limi- et I'e'galite' que nous avlons tou- ts at seul continent; [I a 6U jcurs r6c!amd^fe sans que nous du & tous les continents. sachions comment nous avtiona B"- ' du pro- cms "1 2 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE mi \ 1 *** Fb 311/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
SI telle est la situation de I'An- gleteire _ et le solefl n« se ecu- che jamais sur &e$ possession's — peut-on reprocher a I'Egypte son alliance avec unto grande Puissan- ce comme 4'Anfl^ew«? Bat-il rai- sonnabl& on honWaftle due dies gens fewnent ffl *S8Brboh*r de nance ments __ . . tin homine qui tietit tant , soit mflt0,,ae >%dnneiw«apeut-U prdco- wise/ fe dWnoit.ftfatidtf des engage- me»ts 'prif ? i JBt peut-on reprochei- au gouver- ment ^ptien de se pr^parer do toute® ses forbes et d'utiliaer tou« se» efforts Qoyr d<5fendre son in- dgpendance ? 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins T .• fo 311/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
BRITISH EMBASSY, AIR BAIL. ALEXANDRIA.
33/19/39 7th July, 1939.
Dear Department, Owing to an error the final paragraph was omitted from our despatch No. 821 of 5th July, a copy of which was sent to you "by Air Bag. This despatch has now "been re-typed and we should "be glad if you would substitute the attached copy for the one already in your possession. Yours ever, CEA2JCERY.
Egyptian Department, Foreign Office, London, S.W.I.
jxt Paper.
IS74I 9/37 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I /**.- Fo 3"?1/Z3306. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
fROM JU Becypher. Sir I. Lampsom
&. Srd July 1©§9. « 1. S.iO p.m. 7th July 19S9. Bo. 77. (Saving). W M ** » W I* » «tt H tt tt« W H » « M »« I ga¥e the Prime linister today the lost recent information on International situation as detailed la latest wlntelsw. He would have realized from Lord Halifax's recent speech that the positiom was again one of extreme gravity. Speech, coupled with that of Monsieur Daladier, hat doubtless been intended as danger signal to Herr Sitler to pat.brakes on. SB. Prime Minister said he fully realized that and-.the speech had been admirable. But he himself regarded war as inevitable. |j 5. Speaking of iussia he expressed the view that -however ! tiresoae Molotov Bight be it was mow essential to come to an agreement with them. I opined that Molotov was to son© extent playing with us and trying to squeeze his terms out of us knowing that we regarded the agreement with isissia as essential., as mo doubt it mow was. We had to remember the possibility of rever- sion, to Bisma,rck* s insurance policy which however intrinsically improbable in view of the anti-comiatern policy of iermtny and Italy could not be ruled out. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 **f.-. Fo 311/2.3306. ?£>807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
31
EGYPT and 10 JUL B3-J
•*££ } J 2669/1/16 Withdrawal of resignation tendered by Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha, Prime Minister of Egypt. Refers to Cairo telegram No. 402 of 3rd July TELEGRAM FROM (J 2616/1/16). Sir H. Lampson, Cairo* Egyptian Prime Minister tenderedi-hls resignation on No. 407 Decypher. 6th July. King Farouk insisted upon^staying on, and His Excellency agreed to do so and hopes to obtain appoint- Dated nh July> ment of Amin ©sman Pasha to assist him with his work. Received ^-Oth July, Considers that Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha is glad to "be in Registry / 1939. staying on, although his health is bad. ! Egypt and Sudan.
Paper. (Minutes.)
References. This is excellent news. Amin Osman Pasha has now arrived in London and I have already had two long interviews with him.
V, C.V
(Print.) 10th July 1939.
(How disposed of.)
(Action (Index.) completed.w- )
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10
Beeypher. Sir 1. Lampson (Alexandria), 7th July, 1989. ». 1.S7 a.m. 8th July, 1959, } 1. 10.57 a.m. 8th July, 1959. 10 JUL m- I©. 407.
My telegram Ho. 402. Prime Minister yesterday tendered his resignation. •. 8. King Farouk insisted upon him staying on' and His Sxoelleney has agreed. 5. His Excellency now hopes it may prove possible to ohtain appointment of Amin Oiman to take much weight off Ms shoulders, ling Parouk was emphatic that His Excellency should delegate more work to his colleagues. 4. 1 told His Excellency I was greatly relieved; and I was sure that Your Lordship would fael the sane. My impression is • that he- is on the whole glad to he staying on; he said he did not wish to "be thought a deserter". But he is a sick man.
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1
2758/1/16 Number ' ' Situation in Egypt. Refers to arrangements in connexion with his leave, FROM Sir M« Lamp eon. Reports conversation on 7th July with King Farouk, (Cairo) to SlrL. who asked to see report which Sir M» Lampson was sending to Foreign Office of his recent audience. O. Extract* Considers that in view of ill health of Mbhamed lahraond Pasha and Ahmed Maher Pasha, it seems Dated 8th July* probable that All laher Pasha will become Prime Received 17th July, Minister, and that in this event a constitutional disturbance will be inevitable. Situation appears stable for the moment. J: Egypt and Sudlan
Last Paper. (Minutes.)
References.
/SU-V^t-4"
(Print.)
(How disposed of.)
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(Action completed.) /w^M//o^%v«^tr"
Next Paper.
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Extract from letter to Sir L.Oliphant from Sir M,Lampson,
8th July, 1939.
My dear Lancelot,
It's a great relief that my leave is sanctioned: for there is no doubt that "both of us "badly need a breath of fresh air. Like you, I've no qualms about leaving Sterndale Bennett in charge. He is a regular little hull-dog: and nothing gets past him. But like others of his sort (there aren't too many a"bout these daysl) he works really too hard: and as a result is none too well himself: however he wasn't planning to leave until August 23rd: by which time I trust this unfortunate Charles Bateman may be sufficiently recovered to be back. Actually - until your letter and despatch came in - I had pretty well resigned myself to just staying and sticking it i out, brains or no brains! But I'm honestly relieved that that i will not now be necessary - al hardu 1'IttahJ >
I had a long talk with Young Monarch yesterday. At the end he electrified me by asking if I could let him see the report of what he had said that I was sending home'. I was considerably taken aback as you may suppose: and suggested it would be better if he sent me his account of what he thought he had said so as to be sure I'd got it right! But he demurred and finally I said I didn't the least mind his seeing my recordl So I sent him round my draft this morning. I haven't yet got it back. But I took advantage of the P.M. coming into tea here to-night to show it to him too, telling him/ PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins To 3T1/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
him of the above! The P.M. was much amused and said HWhat cheek", adding he hoped H.M. wouldn't spoil the record "by adding something silly: "but I told him I thought it "better to humour the young man and that was why I had agreed to let him see the draft. Comic affair, isn't it? The lad was in good form: "but definitely alarmist. Still he obviously spoke from the heart: and as regards his main theme (troops) I happen to agree with him. So I rather welcomed than otherwise his opening up his heart as he did to me. If the thing comes "back in time (which I doubt, knowing his habits) I shall try to get it off in the form of a Saving Telegram "by same air "bag as this. If not, it must just go later. I'm much relieved M.M. is to stay on: and told him so this evening. But he is an awful colour. I "believe he has high blood pressure and his tenure of life definitely IT- precarious. He told me, most secretly, that Ahmed Hah^lias got "malignant diabetes" and is even iller than he, though he (A.M.) does not know itj So it looks more and more like Ali Maher, by a process of elimination. I found Ali Maher excellent to work with before: and don't doubt should do so again. But I'm sure it's certain no Parliament would work with him: so that a real bit constitutional rumpus would sooner or later be inevitable. And we don't want that. Lord alone knows where it would land us all, including the Young Monarch. The Wafd still have the big bulk of the nation behind them: and I doubt if they would stick at anything if they felt the constitution was in danger: and there they would have brother Ahmed with them, regardless of brotherly ties.
Anyway/
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Anyway one may hope that the situation is once more stable for the moment. But I should doubt if M.M. can physically stay the course much longer. For obvious reasons I haven't liked to have this letter copied here. Could you have one made and sent to me? Yours ever, (Signed) MILES LAMPSON. PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I *ef. Fo 311/23306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
V n .5 v«. JUL and SUDAN Political situation: in Registry "\ Records conversation on 14th July with Hassan Number jj 2769/1/16. Sabry Pasha, formerly Egyptian Minister of War, who considers that internal situation in, Egypt is TELEGRAM FROM extremely "bad, that there is no confidence in Sir M.»Laropson (Cairo) present Cabinet,, and that a national Government should No. "be formed* He observed that if Moharaed Mahraoud Pasha 192 Saving were not well :xenough to lead a national Government, Dated en clair. Nahas Pasha might be willing to do soj and agreed that £«*«;*; H*fc July* it would be better for Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha to carry t'« Registry f on at least until the autumn* 17th July, He also referred to His Majesty's Government's 1939* responsibility for internal security of Egypt. J : Egypt and Sudan
Last Paper. (Minutes.) -V References.
(Print.) !V» ftwvNrv« «)w«.*JU. Vr*~% '
disposed of.)
>,
^Lft«.«V*» 4*>
,JL
(Action V(Index.) completed.)
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38
17 JUL 1939J
From: EGYPT.
Telegram («ri clair) from Sir M. Lamoson t» UL D. BY BAG. 15th July, 1959. R. 17th July, 1939. No. 192. Saving. 0 () () () () flBfii*THV.
Hassan Sabry Pasha, late Minister of War, called this morning. He is never apt to he over-optimistic or uncritical hut today he was unsually gloomy even for him. Though crude in his outlook and not remarkable for "finesse" he has some judgement and is sincere: what he says is worth listening to. 2. He considers the internal situation extremely bad; and the present Cabinet as inefficient. The country is tired of and has no confidence in them. loharned Mahmoud is a very, sick man("moribund" was the Pasha's phrase): he was physically incapable of leading the country in a war. It was essentially a time for a National Government. He had said this publicly and he would say it again to the Prime Minister whom he was seeing later today. He would tell the Prime Minister that King Farouk should instruct him to summon the leaders of all parties and endeavour to get them to rally to the national cause, letting .their personal and party prejudices drop. If Nahas refused to play, let him. The country would then know that he had put party above patriotism. Similarly King Farouk would have to play up and accept Nahas if the latter were ready to respond to a summons to such a National Govern- ment - and Hassan Sabry thought that Nahas might.
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5. I observed that I had in fact only the other day said to the Prime Minister (this was when he was proposing to resign) that the sensible thing, in the event of a change, seemed to me to be something on the lines of a National Government. But the difficulty always was to see under whose leadership if unfortunately Mohamed Mahmoud had to go for reasons of health. 4. Sabry Pasha admitted this difficulty. Ahmed Maher "s'etait brule" over the Pharaonic Mail contract - his name was now mud with the people - so he was no longer seriously in the running. Ali Maher's stock was every bit as low. Abdel Pattah Yehia was "une nullite": Mahmoud Khalil (now president of the Senate) who wanted this job was a "vaut-rien". If Mohamed Mahmoud was not well enough to lead a National Government Nahas who was an honest man might be willing. 5. I remarked that this .dearth of alternatives strengthened the desirability that Mohamed Mahmoud should continue in office at least until it became clear that he could not physically bear the burden longer. fte should be very sorry if he had to go: and obviously this was no time to change horses in mid-stream: what I dreaded was any development that might raise the constitu- tional issue. What I hoped was that Mohamed Mahmoud would be able to carry on at least until the autumn, when (if things went reasonably well meantime internationally) everyone would be back fresh from Europe, and ready to tackle local problems with renewed energy. 6. Sabry Pasha concurred. But Great Britain should remember that every Egyptian regarded her as responsible for the internal-security of Egypt just as much the external. It was folly to suppose that we could wash our hands of such things as/ cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins T ** Fb 3TI/2.33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
3. as the constitution of Egyptian Governments. After all no Egyptian Government could last a day which had not got the assurance of our support. And if things now c:ame to a head we should have to assert ourselves whether we liked it or not. He hoped Mohamed Mahraoud would lie able to tide things over till the autumn, and he admitted the unwisdom of an immediate change unless really necessary. But except for Mohamed Mahmoud at present Cabinet were a crowd of nonentities: .there was not one of them who carried any weight in the country. 7. Clearly no action is required on our part at present, but there is much strength in the Pasha'a argument for a National Government and my own thoughts have been working along these lines, if and when Mohamed Mahmoud throws in his hand. A suitable occasion may occur to lobby the idea again with him quite informally before I go on leave.
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17 JUL EGYPT and
Registry Political situation in Egypt* —Refers to Cairo despatch No*560 of ISth May (j 2047/1/16) Submits review of political situation FROM in Egypt during the last two months, with particular Sir M»L.ampB.on reference to possibility of change of Cabinet in view of ill-health of Moharaed lahmoud Pasha and to Parliamentary opposition to present Government. Dated 13th July* Comments on Wafd*s anti British attitude, foreign Received \ policy, relations between Egpt and Turkey,, and in Registry /17th July, expenditure on defence measures* 1939* J : Egypt and S udam.
Last Paper. (Minutes.')
In the first part of this interesting despatch Sir References. M.Lampson discusses the prospects of various alter- native governments in the event of ill health finally obliging Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha to resign. Dr. Ahmed Maher Pasha, until recently the favourite for the succession, has now lost much ground owing to the un- fortunate wrangle over the proposed subsidy to the Pharaonic Mail Line, to doubts in the public mind as (flow disposed af.) & to the Pasha's personal honesty, to/bitter opposition A* 1 of the Wafd and finally to a change in the attitude uW ^H ' of King Farouk. The chances of Ali Maher Pasha obtaining the succession to Mahmoud Pasha depend partly!' on the possibility of his forming a government to include the Wafd but excluding Nahas and Makrara Pashas with whom he remains irreconcilable, and partly on his obtaining the support of Dr. Ahmed Maher Pasha and Nokrashi Pasha; though.in the Ambassador's view.it is likely that the present packed Chamber is sufficiently !
(Action subservient to accept any Prime Minister proposed by ipleted.) the Palace under, if necessary, a threat of dissolution A further possibility would be the appointment of a _, ^ dummy Prime Minister such as the present Minister for Next Paper. Foreign Affairs Abdml Fattah Y£hia Pasha. Such an 14169 11/36; "F.o.r. appointment/ ins 1 1 I 2 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE **, Fo 3TI/Z3306. 85*07 . use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet A"'
appointment would clearly be a most unsatisfactory solution from our point of view. There have been rumours of a premiership of Hussein Sirry Pasha the present Minister of Befence involving a semi-military regime; the Ambassador considers that from the point of view solely of efficiency there might be worse choices though he would certainly prove tiresome to deal •••/with. 2. With such uncertainty as regards the duration >f the present Cabinet and as regards its probable successors, the internal political situation must be considered as having deteriorated in the last few weeks /V^^-tVfV /the situation has not been improved by the refusal of U the Senate's Financial Commission the TTvi, Government's inheritance tax bill, iUWfyVh has now been withdrawn and included in the Budget which the Senate cannot finally reject* Sshould the Senate refuse to approve the inclusion of the inheritance tax in the Budget there may well arise a constitutional crisis. The Government are also in difficulties over a bill tightening up governmental control of the press, over the §enate's desire to reduce the land tax and over theljfc/official secrets bill. l\ 3.While outside Parliament the Wafd's position appear^ to continue as strong as ever with the masses and their anti-British attitude remains unmodified, ffhe attitude of the people (and of the Palace) has on the whole improved, though I talo-German propaganda endeavours to work up .the,-feeling that Egypt ought to be allowed to keep out of a world conflict which does not directly concern her. 4. In paragraph 14 the Ambassador refers to Egyptian fears of a renewal of Turkish imperialism at the expense of Egypt and the surrounding Arab countries and suggests uthat H.M.Government for their part would be well advised 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2
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Minutes.
to examine the full implications of the Anglo- Turkish alliance from the same angle. In this connexion it may be mentioned that on other papers we are turning down a Turkish proposal that Turkish Officers -should be sent in mufti to discuss with the G.O.G. in Egypt the possib- ility of raising tribes against.Italy in Libya.
*"»V K*X4. l{y (J 2755/G). The Ambassador's observations/on the ever-increasing expenditure 40ft war prepar- ations sound no new note. A record of the conversations with $fcM?tMm, Pasha on this subject are contained in other papers. g^uer^. Priny K.G.D. -
A /
V 19th July 1939.
This interesting despatch gives a clear picture of the internal political situation in
'We musVnote Sir Miles Lampson's warning of the dangers of an infiltration of Turkish influence into Egypt. I expect that there is nothing that the Egyptian Pasha/^would like "better than to play the Turks and ourselves off against each other. \Ve can but hope that Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha will stay the course for a while longer as it is clear that his departure will lead to a marked deterioration in the situation, against which we can do little save to insist on the maintenance of a parliamentary regime for which Sir Miles Lampson has "been given instructions in a recent telegram./ cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I To 311/2.3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
|H$IH1S!$™'P^'^:
Minutes.
telegram. That Italian and German propaganda should not have made greater headway in permeating th Egyptians with the idea that they should not •i become involved in a war in which they have no immediate interest reflects credit on the latt This despatch was presumably drafted before Sir Miles Lampson received -aegtoaAa intimation
I '"-(if of >»decision to send a brigade from Palestine to Egypt forthwith which should enable us to give sufficient support to the Egyptian army to maintain "the internal front" in the event of war. A problem which is coming to a head even sooner than ha al be en anticipated is that of th< deterioration in the financial situation in Egypt. This has always been regarded as an inevitable sequel to the complete abolition of all control after the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of Alliance and it had been thought that this deterioration might eventually prove to our advantage as it would enable us to negotiate ii due course an arrangement for a renewal in som< form or other of the concession of the Suez Canal Company. Unfortunately, Hitler and Mussolini have spoilt these calculations, like many others..- The deterioration in^Egypt's ^^A/^A fji^ .y/sQ finances has taken place at a *p&gia«L&s»^*»e thdn had been anticipated, largely as the result of ,A«".v<» . defence and rearmament measures that^had to be undertaken, also as the result of the latent corruption which, with the gradual removal of British control, will revert back to its true pre-1882 type. I propose to take an opportuni >y at /
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Minutes.
at tomorrow's meeting regarding the constructio~~x n of accommodation for British forces in the Canal Zone to ventilate the whole position with the Treasury and Service Departments. Whilst we must watch the situation very closely, I do not think
I that we should be in too much of a hurry to provide financial assistance to the Egyptians apart from some arrangement to hasten the construction of the accommodation, roads, etc. most urgently required for military and air purposes and for the development of Alexandria harbour. When they feel the pinch more strongly they may be more amenable. On the other hand, there is a certain danger that | CO deterioration in the Government's finances will s produce internal confusion which might eventually I
| necessitate active intervention on our part. j However, for the present, we can but watch care- fully. The Egyptians' aversion to loans or even credit facilities will probably decrease in due course as they will find that beggars can't be choosers. x , CL. «*•»
£0th July 1939. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE «•* To 311/Z3306. ?5*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
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Oopysent by Air Bas. BRITISH EMBASSY, No.871. CAIRO, (1/58/39 th July, 1939.
My Lord, In continuation of my despatch Ho.560 of the 12th lay, I have the honour to submit a review of the political situation in Egypt during the last two months. 2' ^he improvement in the Prime Minister's health reported in paragraph 4 of my despatch under reference has unfortunately not been maintained. On the contrary, a series of relapses recently culminated in high tension and heart trouble. During the last month His Excellency tn has "been out of action much of the time, and his present state of weakness makes it impossible for him to transact much serious "business. Finally, his ill-health forced him to offer his resignation to King Farouk on the 6th and, July. His Majesty refused to accept it/ so His Excellency informed me, suggested that he should delegate more of his work to his Ministerial colleagues. Mahraoud Pasha withdrew his resignation, but he is at present certainly in no fit physical condition to earry the whole burden of affairs of State. He himself, so he tells me, is very anxious to use Arain Osman Pasha as a sort of Under-Secretary of State to the Prime Minister. Amin Pasha, in that event, would relieve the Prime Minister of the bulk of current work and, indeed, would probably end by, to a large extent, running the every-day work of the Soverf^nt. But unfortunately King Farouk has taken a violent dislike to Amin Osman Pasha. When I last saw the Prime Minister /at fhe Right Honourable Viscount Halifax, K.G., P.O., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., etc*, etc., etc.
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45
at tea in my house on the 7th July he seemed nonetheless to cherish a vague hope that the King's opposition might be overcome. It is greatly to "be hoped that it may "be: "but from what I know of the young Monarch he has inherited i much of the vindictiveness and the unreasoning likes and dislikes of his father. 3. The general realisation that Kahmoud Pasha cannot long continue in office has opened wide the door to speculation and intrigue regarding his successor. Until recently Dr. Ahmed Maher Pasha was the favourite, for he was strongly supported by Mahraoud Pasha, and King Farouk had finally, in order apparently to avoid any constitutional difficulties, more or less acquiesced in the idea. But the unfortunate wrangle over the proposed subsidy to the Pharaonic Mail Line (see my despatch No.773 of the 26th June) has weakened Dr. Ahmed Haher Pasha's position. Abboud Pasha's intercepted and subsequently published letters did no more, in fact, than suggest that Dr. Ahmed Eaher Pasha approved of the subsidy. nonetheless, considerable suspicion always attends Abboud Pasha's activities and the knowledge that the Ministers of Commerce and of Interior were Violently opposed to the subsidy has encouraged the suspicion (rightly or wrongly I do not know) that Dr. Ahmed Maher Pasha might be implicated in some sort of shady transaction with him. Unfortunately the Pasha's personal gambling propensities and various llovernmental financial operations during the last year had already begun to inspire doubts in the public mind whether the Pasha was not, like so many others, yielding to the corrupt influences of Egyptian politics. And the Wafd, who detest Ahmed Maher Pasha with a bitter hatred foijtais seceding from them, have done their utmost to strengthen the misgivings in the public mind. It is even reported, I know not with /what ins 2| cms "PUBLIC RECORD OFFICg" . To 371/Z3306.
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what truth, that King Farouk's attitude towards the Pasha has "been affected by this affair of the subsidy and that His Majesty would now be reluctant to acquiesce in his Premiership. The public surmise accordingly now is that Ali Maher Pasha would be the Palace choice to succeed Mahmoud Pasha* Ali Maher Pasha has not yet recovered his former influence with King Farouk, and it is possible that His Majesty would view with equanimity his exit from the Palace and transfer t© the Presidency of the Council, where his stay might be of not long duration. Humour also runs that His Majesty inclines to a Government representative of the different parties, including the Wafd but excluding Hahas and Makram Pashas with whom he remains irreconcilable. The idea apparently is that Ali Maher Pasha should endeavour to include in a Cabinet of all parties certain Wafdists such as Abdal Salam Fahmi Gomaa Pasha, Minister of Commerce in the last Wafdist Cabinet, and Youssef al Suindi Bffendi, late Under- secretary of State of the Ministry of the Interior. Ali Maher Pasha recently spoke highly of Youssef al Guindi Sffendi and of the desirability of attaching him to the Government. Your Lordship will remember that it was this same Youssef al Quindi Effendi who was so nearly the cause of a crisis in July-August, 1937, when King Farouk refused to accept him as a Minister on the ground th^lNie was dishonest. This attitude of His Majesty was presumably taken at that time on the advice of Ali Maher Pasha in spite of the latter's later denial. The pasha's desire, if such there indeed be, now to include him in the Government is yet one more instance of the instability ©f Egyptian political principles. In any case it seems pretty certain that lahas Pasha in his present mood would 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 **, To 3TI/Z3306. ?5*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
vet© any such Wafdist accessions to the Government: and it is generally "believed that Youssef al Quindi Effendi would obey his Leader's orders though some doubt exists regarding the continued loyalty of Abdal Sal am Fahmi Gomaa Pasha. 5. Of more practical interest is the attitude ©f the Saadist Party in the event of Ali Maher Pasha "being appointed Prime Minister* Ali Pasha is apparently minded to insist on the^ removal of Nofcrashi Pasha from the Ministry of Interior and on himself occupying that key Ministry. As regards Dr. Ahmed Maher Pasha, opinion is divided whether he would or would not serve under his brother, "but the prevailing idea is that he would not do so (this is my own view) and would prefer an honourable retreat from the Cabinet in some function such as the Presidency of the Chamber which he held before. Definite opposition on the part of both Dr. Ahmed Maher and Nokrashi pashas would seriously complicate Ali Maher Pasha's prospects ©f Cabinet construction, but in the last resort it eeeras likely that the present packed Chamber is sufficiently subservient to accept any Prime Minister proposed by the Palace under, if necessary, a threat of dissolution. 6. Should the difficulties of the appointment ©f either Ali or Ahmed Maher Pasha to the iteemiership prove ^^Wh*» to© great, it has been suggested that the Palace might fall back on some duiony Prime Minister such as Abdal Fattah Yahia Pasha or Mahmoud Khalil Bey. This, from the point ©f view ©f efficiency, and especially of the prosecution ©f war preparation, would be a most unsatisfactory solution. Incidentally, it is of interest that the health ©f all these four candidates is bad. There have been rumours of a Premiership of Hussein Sirri Pasha, involving a semi-military regime: but confirmation of this report is lacking. /Still, I 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 2 ««.: Fo 3TI/2.3306. g.5^07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
Still, as uncle by marriage of Queen Farida and with his frequent douBstic contact with King Farouk it is at least within the bounds of possibility. From the point of view solely of efficiency there might be worse choices, though he would certainly prove tiresome to deal with. 7. The Wafd's attitude is characteristically intransigent. They regard, with justification, the disappearance of Mahmoud Pasha as the first step in a fundamental deterioration of the regime and are n© doubt encouraged by the precedent of the dictatorial regime of 1930-1934 when Sidfcy Pasha's disappearance was followed by the appointment of Abdal Fattah Yahia Pasha and a considerable weakening of the rlgime. I deem it probable that the Wafd will maintain their persistent demand for a neutral Cabinet to conduct new and further elections, which they hope, and with some reason, should bring an undiluted Wafd back to power. 8. The attitude of the Liberals under Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha would normally be hostile to the appointment of Ali Maher Pasha and might easily lead to their co- operation with the Wafd. But, unless Mahmoud Pasha recovers his vigour the Liberals have no effective leader and their weight in the Party conflict could harol•••l^.y be a serious factor. In any ease, it seems likely that the departure of Mahmoud Pasha, who is generally respected and does not excite violent resentment in any quarter, would complicate the task of Parliamentary Government and gradually lead to a more dictatorial regime with less support from the moderates and more intense opposition by the Wafd.
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9. In this general atmosphere of expectation of an impending change of Ga"binet the Parliamentary session is painfully drawing to its end. Owing to Mahmoud Pasha's ill -health, Dr. Ahmed Maher pasha has more or less had to handle Parliament, and his handling of it has latterly been "both tactless and imprudent, with the result that the improvement reported in paragraph 6 of my despatch Ho. 560 of the 12th May has not been maintained. As expected, the Senate's Financial Commission reported against the inheritance tax "bill. The Government, in other words Dr. Ahmed Maher Pasha, retorted immediately by withdrawing the hill and including the inheritance tax in the Budget which the Senate cannot finally reject. Should the Senate refuse to approve the inclusion of the inheritance tax in the Budget, and should the Government insist on maintaining it, the difference would, in accordance with Article 166 of the Constitution, have to fee referred to a congress of the two Chambers. The Government could count on a majority in such a congress, hut it has "been suggested that the Opposition in the Senate (Wafd) might absent themselves from the congress and thus prevent a decision; for, in accordance with Article 122 of the Constitution, no decisiouBPKn "be tafcen except "by an absolute majority of the members of each Chamber composing the Congress. Sirry Pasha, in , fc: conversation with the Oriental Secretary, has remarked that the inclusion of the inheritance tax in the Budget was due to a nervous reaction and annoyance at the attitude of the Senate. He thought that the Government would acquiesce in the Senate's refusal to accept the inclusion of this tax in the Budget and would not proceed with the convocation of Congress. That would involve the shelving
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of the tax for the present* However, this view does not appear to be shared "by others. Kamel Bey Selim, Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, is of opinion that Dr. Ahmed Maher Pasha cannot afford, either from the point of view of Budget equilibrium or from that of his own personal position, to agree to the scrapping of the inheritance tax. As Kamel Bey Selim at present is in close attendance upon Mohamed Mahmoud pasha in Alexandria, it is possible that he is reflecting the feelings of the Prime Minister or of persons in the latter*s entourage. If he is correctly voicing the feelings of Dr. Ahmed Maher Pasha, it would seem that a Constitutional crisis can hardly "be avoided, "but it is of course quite possible that the Prime Minister and/or the Palace might intervene to secure some sort of compromise settlement. 11. Apart from this major constitutional difficulty, the G-overnment have loaded the end of the Parliamentary session with a contentious press law considerably tightening up Governmental control of the press. This BB asure has passed through the Chamber, but the Senate is likely to propose fundamental modifications unacceptable to the Government. The Government are also in difficulties with the Senate over the land tax bill, the Senate wishing to reduce the land tax from sixteen t© fourteen per cent of the rental value, and the Government insisting on maintaining it at sixteen per cent* The Government are also meeting Parliamentary opposition to their bill for an addition to the penal code to protect official secrets (see correspondence ending with my despatch Ifo.253 of the 10th April). The heat of an Egyptian summer and the general desire of the legislators to get away on holiday may lead to /hurried cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE Fo 3TI/Z3306 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
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hurried scrapping of, and compromises on, legislation in the closing days of the session. (in any case, in view of the present uncertain position of the Cabinet, it seems unlikely that the Government will at this juncture provoke a constitutional conflict with the Senate.) 12. Outside Parliament the Wafd's position appears to continue as strong as ever with the masses, and their anti-British attitude remains unmodified, though personally I do not feel that this need "be taken too seriously: it is probably only part of the political game. Nearly every action of the Government is made a pretext for demonstrating their subserviency to the British, who are accused of imposing on a minority Government all sorts of measures advantageous to British interests "but detrimental to those of Hgypt, e.g. the new charter of the National Bank of Egypt, the cotton quota, various defence measures, etc., etc. But I doubt whether the Wafd, in present conditions, can provoke any violent l action on the part of the population to bring them back to power. Nevertheless, the Wafd's present anti-British a attitude is I fear liable to have/disturbing influence in the event of war and of all the exceptional measures which m war must entail* but as to this I do nofl wish to dogmatise. Should war occur I hope it is more likely that in their scramble for protection, all Parties would once more turn to us. IS. As regards foreign policy, the attitude of both Palace and people has on the whole been much more satisfactory during the period under review. The fear and dislike of Italy and Germany have more or less forced the Egyptians into our arms, but there still persists considerable feeling in the country that Egypt ought to /be cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I **f.-. Fo 311/Z33Q6. 85807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
"be allowed to keep out of a world conflict which does not directly concern her. Heedless to say, Italo-German propaganda does all it can to encourage this not unnatural feeling. The attitude of responsible Egyptians, however, remains sound, witness Dr. Ahmed Maher Pasha *s vigorous demolition of the neutrality thesis (see my despatch No.881 of the 5th July). King Farouk's general attitude, also, is to all appearances sound though he, like most responsible Egyptians, is gravely preoccupied "by what are regarded as the inadequate numbers of our forces for the defence of Egypt. 14. The Anglo-Turkish alliance has naturally.figured large ©n the political horizon. With the satisfaction felt at this strengthening of the defensive position in the Eastern Mediterranean has been linked some mistrust, the inheritance of bitter memories of Turkish domination in Egypt. The rumour that Turkish troops might be sent to defend Egypt provoked a hostile reaction in both political and popular circles. The Turkish dynasty naturally does not share these apprehensions and according to the information given me a few days ago by the Turkish Minister King Farouk has been tiling with the idea of Turkish military assistance in the form of Turkish officers in the Egyptian Army. It would only be following his father's example if His Majesty, like all other Egypto- Turks, had a contempt for his Egyptian subjects and believed that they had little military value unless led by foreigners. Hence presumably the idea of employing Turks in executive positions in Egyptian units and of Egyptian cadets undergoing military training in Turkey. It is only fair however to note that it is our inability to accept for staff training in England the full suggested number of Egyptian officers,
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53 10.
coupled with our own recent Agreement with Turkey, which has led to this idea of turning to Turkey. To sum up: Egypt, in her attitude towards Turkey, now in alliance with Great Britain, is torn "between the desire to profit "by Turkish military assistance and the fear of a renewal of Turkish imperialism at the expense of Egypt and the surrounding Arab countries over which Egypt desires to exercise a predominating influence. I venture to think that His Majesty's Government for their part also would be well advised to examine the full implications of the Anglo-Turkish alliance from the same angle. Necessity may force us to accept Turkish assistance in ways which may ultimately lead to a Turkish re-entry into the Arab countries and parts of Hbrth Africa: but it is not clear that the need is yet so imperative as to warrant such a risk. From various recent reports, mere straws in the wind perhaps, the thought obtrudes that since the death of Ataturk, Turkish policy may once more be trending towards outward expansion and the abandonment of that great ruler's wise policy of renunciation of all claims to lojffa territory. 15. The progress made in war preparations generally and in the training of the Egyptian Army in particular has on the whole been more satisfactory during the period under review, in spite of obstruction to the British Military Mission by Sirry Pasha on a number of points. It is satisfactory to note, for instance, that Egyptian gunners have shown remarkable ability in anti-aircraft gunnery. But the fundamental problem in regard to the ^yptian Array remains one of morale, that is to say, whether or not Egyptian troops will stand up to fire- Unless enoadre's with British or Turkish troops and led by
/British 5 ii.
British or Turkish officers, it seems unlikely that the Egyptian officer and soldier can "be counted on to stand up to tte forms of modern intensive warfare. It is this weakness which makes the situation in Egypt additionally grave. For we must remember that the Italo-Gerraan offensive if it comes is not likely to "be a purely military advance on one point. More likely the main enemy offensive will be accompanied by a variety of minor offensive measures, both from without and from within, designed to divert attention, to demoralise the population in the rear, and thus to weaken the powers of resistance to the main offensive. With our present com- paratively small military forces, nearly all will be needed to meet the main offensive, and the Egyptian Army, unless supported by larger British contingents, may fail to maintain the "internal front". The maintenance of this internal front will, moreover, be adversely affected by the present policy of the Egyptian Government of getting rid of foreign officials on a large scale without considering whether there are suitable Egyptians to replace them. This policy involves the removal of many British officials whose utility in the rear of war would be of capital importance. 16« The preparations for war are involving the Egyptian Government in ever-increasing expenditure, m According to Sirri Pasha all that is liquid in the reserve fund has been or is about to be realised. According to him this is the last year in which the Budget can be balanced. It is true that the Government have some £E.13 millions in Egyptian Unified stock, but this sun cannot be realised without a collapse in Government securities. It is not odd, then, that the recent extensive grants of credits to Turkey and other countries should have suggested to the Egyptian mind that Egypt too might be accorded similar treatment. As Egypt is a vital part in the defence of the British Empire this suggestion
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12.
seems eminently logical. But as usual the Wafd have in their Press come out emphatically against Egyptian participation in suck credits, arguing that this would "be "but a step towards the contracting of a loan from Great Britain: they warn us once more against utilising the present feeble Government for the furtherance of our own ambitious designs on Egypt. The traditional Egyptian
rantipathy to foreign loans;, torn of the painful experience under the Khedive Ismail, might conceivably enable the Wafd to exploit this issue with some effect. Already this Wafdist attack has led Da?. Ahmed Maher Pasha as Minister of Finance to make a statement t© the Press denying that there is any question of a loan from Great Britain and even affecting ignorance of any idea of obtaining facilities from Great Britain for gradual payment of armament purchases. In answer to a question, he even went so far as to make the untrue statement that Amin Osman Pasha had not gone to London on any mission to obtain such facilities. 2?he non-Wafdist Press, on the other hand, sees advantage in Egypt's participation in the credits accorded by Great Britain tocher friends and is prepared to split hairs and distinguish between such credits and a loan. In view of the increasing difficulties of the l&yptian treasury it seems to me inevitable that the Government, Wafd opposition or no Wafd opposition and despite the popular dislike of foreign indebtedness, will be compelled to seek for British credits in order to finance their armament programme. Bo doubt Italo-Cferman propaganda will make the most of any such transaction and endeavour to frighten the l&yptian public with the spectre of past servitudes to foreign bondholders: but that, if it happens, can only be ignored or dealt with "ad hoc". f cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 Ref, Fb 3T1/Z3306. 85807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
56
15.
17• These financial embarrassments are likely to have their effect upon the implementation of the treaty clauses regarding barrack building in the Canal Zone- Indeed this has now been made fairly clear by Dr. Ahmed laher Pasha's public statement, reported in my telegram No.191 (Saving) of the 10th July, that building in the Canal Zone should be postponed during the continuance of international tension. I have the honour to be, With the highest respect, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, humble Servant,
i. v
77 14169 11/36,' 'F.O.I'. 21 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE mi T ** To 3TI/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed 'Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
and SUDAN
Proposed State visit to England of King Farou£» n 2796/1/16. Refers to Foreign Office telegram Ho»469 of 50th June (J 2466/1/16) Considers that the time has come ROM when it would be advisable to convey a formal invitation to King Farouk to pati. a State visit to FT289/41/39) England. Believes that this would counteract Italian, 'No. and German intrigues and would have a steadying effect on His Majesty. In view of the possibility fr Dated of State visits to other countries, submits that .' Received early decision should be reached. }ul 1939. J : Egypt and .udan*
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14169 11/36; 'F.O.K cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins T .. To 311/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed 'Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 *** Fo 3H/Z3306. 85*07 | Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 1 2 ** To 3TI/Z3306. ?5^<07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet I •\ 2| cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I r 2 ** To 311/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet -\ 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I
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While Sir M. Lampson has more than once suggested that a decision about a State Visit "by the King of Egypt should be postponed until H.E. comes home on leave, I do not think that he has ever anticipated that the visit might be put off until the year after next. I think that if the invitation is to go it should not be for so remote a date as that. We are hoping to keep King Farouk sweet with the colonelcy of a British regiment - if the War Office concur and obtain The King's approval for the offer. But both the Germans and Italians are out to flatter and ingratiate themselves so far as they can with King Parouk and I think any suggestion that a State Visit should be paid more than eighteen months from now would be a mistake. ?/ith the greatest respect to The King's wishes I feel that as an ally H.M.G. have more to gain by a State Visit from King Parouk than from the King of Greece who was only recently honoured with the Garter. I realise that the President of Portugal is important, even very important, but if Sir M. Lampson on his return at the end of this month were of opinion that King Farouk had merited an invitation to this country, I would deprecate a postponement of it for so long a period as mentioned above.
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No. 872. BRITISH EMBASSY, (289/41/59). ALEXANDRIA,
Copy sent by Air Bag. 14th July, igSQ
My Lord,
With reference to Your Lordship's telegram Ho. 469 of the 30th June and to previous correspondence regarding the possibility of a State visit of King Farouk to England, I have been long pondering the pros and cons of this question and have now reached the definite conclusion that the moment has come when it would be advisable in the
public interest to convey a formal invitation to King Farouk to pay such a visit. From the correspondence I understand that, if approved, this could not take place until next spring.
2. As I have reported recently, the attitude of King Farouk .towards us has improved during the last few months,
and I feel that this may well be the psychological moment to attach His Majesty more firmly to the British connec- tion. Italian, and German intrigue, es-pecially round the Palace, is always busy in an endeavour to influence His Majesty against us. A timely move on our part now should help to counteract these influences and encourage His Majesty to that more intimate co-operation with us of ?/hich there are already signs. It is true that King Farouk remains an irresponsible young man, and will doubt- less remain so for many years to come. Yet His Majesty has his good side as well as his bad: and I surmise that the signal honour of a State visit to England as the guest /of
The Right Honourable Viscount Halifax, K.G., P.O., G.C.S.I., G.G.I.E., etc., etc., etc., cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I
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of The King and Queen could not fail to have a highly 'beneficial and steadying effect upon him. There will, it is true, always be a risk of "baclcslidings; "but we must take that risk. The importance of keeping King Farouk loyal.to us is so great that I submit we should not foe deterred from inviting him. 3. I have reason to suspect that King Farouk feels that as our Ally he has been somewhat neglected, and it would be imprudent, in my opinion, to leave him longer without some marked sign of British goodwill. 1 would like, therefore, to withdraw my previous suggestion that the question of a State visit should be postponed until my return to England next month, and to submit that it be considered now and a decision reached as soon as may be possible, For it must always be remem- bered that there is the possibility of State visits to other countries; and I feel sure that Your Lordship will agree with me that it would be entirely inappropriate that such visits should materialise before Eis Majesty has formally joaid his respects to the Sovereign of his Ally. 4. Should my proposal meet with your approval, 1 should be grateful if it could be submitted for The King's pleasure. I have the honour to be, With the highest respect, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, humble Servant, I 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I ..- To 371/Z3306. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
ANGLO-EGYPTIAN COMMITTEE. 37, Harley Street, London, 7/.1. Sir John Wardlaw-Milne, K.B.E.. M.P. 13th July. 1939.
Dear Sir,
I have pleasure in enclosing a copy of the Minutes covering the proceedings at the meeting of the Anglo-Egyptian Committee, held on Wednesday, July 5th.
Yours very truly,
Hon. Secretary. 2 1 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 ** To 3TI/23306. ?5*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
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ANGLO-EGYPTIAN COMMITTEE. Minutes of the Meeting held in • ,, Room 10 at the House of Commons > on Wednesday, July 5th, 1939, at 5 p.m,
Present; Sir John Wardlaw-Milne M.P. (Chairman) Sir Ernest N. Bennett M.P, Sir Nairne Sandeman M.P, Alan Graham M.P. Sir W. P. Colfox M.P. Sir Murdoch MacDonald M.P. Sir William Davison M.P. Sir Thomas Moore M.P. Major 17. H. Carver M.P, Sir William Tfeyland M.P, Sir Arnold Wilson M.P. 17. Ross Tailor M.P. Sir Ralph Glyn M.P. Sir Alfred Knox M.P. Sir Edward Cobb M.P, Colonel J, Sandeman Allen M,P. Captain Peter MacDonald M.P. Harold B. Sanderson M.P, Patrick Munro M.P. Sir Stanley Reed M.P. Lord Teynham John Leggitt (Hon, Secretary) 98, The Chairman announced that the object of the meeting was to consider certain changes proposed in connection with the work of the Committee, He recalled the original formation of the Committee and suggested that the question was whether it should be changed now from a body which mainly considered political matters and looked after British interests in Egypt and/or whether its activities should be extended by including social or semi- M addressocials affairsthe committee. The .Chairman then invited Sir Thomas oore to 99, Sir Thomas Moore thanked the Chairman for the opportunity of giving not only his own point of view but those of other Members of Parliament from all parties to whom he had spoken. He stated that when the original Committee was formed conditions were entirely different and that its objects had now been achieved. He believed that the Committee could perpetuate the friendship between Britain and Egypt by expanding its numbers, extending its scope and undergoing reconstruction to-give fresh vitality to the Committee particularly as in recent years little demand had arisen for regular consultation or tasks to be performed. Sir Thomas Moore then mentioned the four points he had in mind to be adopted as the new attitude of the Committee. These were: (1) to establish personal contact with members of the Egyptian Parliament, (2) to keep in close touch with Egyptian news with a view to understanding better the Egyptian point of view, (3) to r^ach closer understanding between Great Britain and Egypt, (4) to maintain and consolidate the present good relations existing between the two countries. He mentioned that already a •similar body of Members of Parliament in the Egyptian Chamber had been formed. In the past, Sir Thomas Moore added, Egypt had been somewhat out of the way and not visited to any extent by British people. He believed the Committee, as reformed, would start a trend in the direction of more British people going to Egypt, by encouraging in the first place the exchange of o
-2- Parliamentary visits to and from Egypt. He also mentioned that I Lord Halifax wished that Members of the House of Lords should f join the Committee. f 100. Sir Arnold Wilson agreed that new members from the Upper House would be a real source of strength to the Committee but doubted whether it was possible to combine social activities with a Parliamentary Committee. He stated that the Parliamentary Science Committee had tried to bring in other interests but this had not been successful. He referred to the excellent work being done by the Committee as indicated by the Minutes and then said he would gladly join an Anglo-Egyptian Society outside the House, suggesting that Members of this Committee should be canvassed to join such a body and that the British Council should be asked to make a grant to begin -operations. He emphasised the necessity for Egyptians resident in London to have their share in such an Anglo-Egyptian Society otherwise there would be a danger of entertaining the wrong people. 101. Sir Ralph Giyn supported Sir Arnold Wilson and stated -that he saw no reason why all members of the present Parliamentary Committee should not J6in an outside Anglo-Egyptian Society of the type mentioned. He referred to the prestige achieved by the "old" Anglo-Egyptian Committee which had done extremely good; work and suggested that it would be a good idea to develop along new lines now* He was in favour of keeping the present feelings between Britain and Egypt in a healthy state, encouraging the interchange .of technical students, and mentioned the value which would accrue from schools of agriculture and engineering inviting Egyptian students to join them,. He revealed that Germany not only offers., free'passages for Egyptian students but makes grants up to 75$ of the cost of living for such students in Germany, He believed that an organisation of the sort suggested could do valuable work in this way but hoped that whatever developments were carried out would not "debar the present Committee from meeting at short notice . as and when required. 102. Sir Mairne Sandeman referred to the ninety million Mussulmen in India many .of whom come and live in Britain, and said that he wished they could get to know their fellow Moslems in other countries better. He was in favour of members of the House of Lords joining the Committee as they could raise anything at any time. He urged that the Committee should remain entirely composed of supporters of the National Government, as other committees which included members of all parties never had in his experience the same amount of freedom of discussion. He suggested that an Anglo-Mussulmen Society might develop from the Anglo-Egyptian Committee, but followed previous speakers in reiterating that any social committee should be quite separate from the Parliamentary body which might be associated with it, 103. Lord Teynham supported Sir Arnold Wilson and Sir Ralph.Glyn in their suggestions that members of the House of Lords should participate in the work of the Committee and said he would be delighted to join. He agreed with previous speakers that any social organisation should be entirely apart from the Parliamentary Committee. 104. Sir Ernest Bennett pointed out that an Anglo-Mussulmen body of the type indicated by Sir Nairne Sandeman would rule out the possibility of the participation of Copts and other Christians in Egypt. If the re-formed Committee was to be social more than political he agreed heartily that it should be quite outside the cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
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House of Commons particularly as the original Angio-Egyptian Committee was by no means friendly or popular in Egypt in 1930, 104, Mr. 17. Ross Taylor stated that he disagreed with Sir Thomas Moore in that he believed the present committee had not attained all its objects. He considered there was still work for the Committee to do and if social obligations were introduced these would impair the political strength of the present/^committee. 105. Sir Murdoch MacDonald supported Mr, Ross Taylor and emphasised that the present committee had done specific and political work. In some countries, Sir Murdoch stated, it would not matter - in Britain it would be quite in order - tut not so in Egypt where it is necessary to be extremely careful to see that Parliamentary duties do not interfere or mix with sqcial duties. He hoped the Committee would continue to function Just as it is. If any social organisation was formed outside - it should be entirely social. He felt that there was a danger of the opposite committee in Cairo being so constituted - controlled so much by the existing party in power - that in the event of a change in the political regime the new Government - whenever it might be formed in Egypt - would automatically be unfavourably inclined towards the British Committee. (4 106, Major Carver, speaking as an original member of the committee said that he had no objection to the enlargement Of membership implied by the admission of peers interested in Egypt but was entirely against any social activities or an extension of membership to parties not supporting the Government. He con- sidered that Sir Thomas Moore s four points were rather pious as the Committee had already endeavoured to further British interests in Egypt. He suggested that the Committee should not be enlarged too much and new members should be those only with a definite interest in Egypt. 107. The Chairman pointed out at this stage that among the peers Lord Lloyd had always been associated with the'Committee, Neither peers nor Members of Parliament had been specifically invited to join the Committee but whenever they attended they were welcome and it was agreed that so long as they were supporters of the National Government they were acceptable as members. The Chairman sfiflctd whether the Committee would consider the desirability of it becoming a sub-committee of the Foreign Affairs Committee as is the case with the China Committee, and whether this would be of any value, mentioning that while membership would still be open to those who took any interest in Egypt, an advantage might be that such an understanding with the Foreign Affairs Committee would result in the Anglo-Egyptian Committee being put on the Whip when necessary. Alternatively the Chairman suggested the. Committee as it is could'be open to the membership of more peers and, as also in the past, to the membership of all Government supporters. He agreed that the Committee might also help to form an outside Angi0-Egyptian or Angio-Mussulmen Society tut considered 'that the other members who were present did not agree that non-supporters of the Government should become members of the Committee; He mentioned that he had received letters from members unavoidably prevented from being present at this meeting, who were in general agreement with the views expressed by previous speakers* The Chairman asked whether it was necessary to have more regular meetings, stating that he considered it to be a bad policy to meet if there was no real business to transact cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I Fo 311/Z3306. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
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and then'suggested that it might be advisable to form a small executive to deal with any immediate matters. Replying to a question the Chairman said that the Committee should pieetiaag once each session at least and oftener when desired, and then stated that one other thing must be done at this meeting. The Chairman then recalled the work which had been done by Mr. Leggitt, the Hon, Secretary, and wished a record to be made of the appreciation of the efforts of the Hon. Secretary. These remarks were received 'enthusiastically by the Committee, The Chairman then suggested that if necessary the Committee could meet again this session and as^ked for any further .comments, 108. Colonel Sandeman Alien said that if it was proposed to start an Anglo-Egyptian social association one of the first things to be done was to educate British university students to adopt a better tone towards Egyptian students - whereupon one member stated that a committee already existed to look after the interests of foreign students, 1Q9» Sir Thomas Moore stated that some misapprehension existed regarding the first of the four points of his letter in that he did not mention the word social, He did not wish the two Committees, i.e., the Egyptian and the British Parliamentary Committees, to be in watertight compartments. He sai d he would like the Hon, Secretary to get in touch, through-the Egyptian Embassy, with the Secretary of the Egyptian Committee so that members of the Egyptian Committee might be invited to address the British House of Commons' Committee on problems in Egypt, while British M.P.s might be invited to visit Egypt with a view to addressing Egyptian members on problems of mutual interest in order to further the friendship between the two peoples. With regard to the question of the Whip, Sir Thomas stated that Lord Lucan had agreed to put any meeting, of the Anglo-Egyptian M Committee on the Lords Whip. Sir Thomas oore reiterated the suggestion previously made by the Chairman that an executive committee should-be formed consisting of three members of each , House so that rapid action could be taken if necessary, and again emphasised that he hoped that contact could be established soon with Egyptian Members .of Parliament. 110» After the Chairman had asked for suggestions for creating this form of contact, Sir William Davison pointed out that it would be be'tter to. form the executive first, to secure the co-operation and interest of members of the House of Lords and then, if it was so decided, get in touch with the appropriate Egyptian Members of Parliament. Lord Teynham pointed out that the Inter-Parliamentary Union could offer facilities for exchanging invitations to and from speakers from both countries. Major Carver then suggested that a small sub-committee should be formed and after some discussion it was agreed that with Sir John Wardlaw-Milne and Colonel Sandeman Allen as ex officio members, Major Carver, Sir Ernest Bennett and Sir Thornas~Mobre""should form an executive committee so far as the Commons were concerned and that three members of the House of Lords should be co-opted.' Sir Thomas Moore suggested the names of Lord Teynham, Lord Barnby and Lord Greenwood to represent the House of Lords, It was finally agreed that the executive committee should be empowered to co-opt members of the House of Lords and that in any case Lord Lloyd should be invited to become a member of the- ©xocutive committee * 2]cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins To 311/Z33Q6. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
14th July, 1939
dear ffardlaw-Hilne,
Just a line to thank you for your letter and enclosure of July 12th, Of courae 1 shell be only to delighted to iidlp In the A. glo-£?;ypti;,n Committee, goad you must let me know in due course whet you want me to do. lay I suggest car® before any proposal to form an A&gio-lus^ulaitn society is adopted, I would lltee to have a word with you about this before the proposal goes too far* There sr© al$o suggestions in paragraph 109 which need ..41 little ..prudence* ... sincerely*..
Sir John Wafla.w-lilB®i S.B.'E, M.P. of S.W.1.
eoopted ®a to f&it
G.M.G., M.G. ,
I suspect that the feelings of A"bdel Pattah Yehia Pasha in regard to the various countries that he visite are somewhat coloured by the degree of cordiality with 9/37 K.O.P. which / cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ms I **• To 311/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
Me. *r Stii July. 1
You will
(1) ?&«r« is to for eoaftoed to iuppQrt«r» of (111) fM*r© is to ©f Sir a4«ii*a Allen, * "
peers eye te toe ooo|»ted oa t© tali
t SSf» » G.M.G. 5 M.C.,
I suspect that the feelings of Abdel Fattah Yehia Pasha in regard to the various countries that he visite «t Paper. are somewhat coloured by the degree of cordiality with 15741 9/37 J?.O.P. which / •\ 2| cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins T ** Fo 3Tt 7-2.3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
of l*rft LXojrd
Mis seal i& «r«*»ter
I suspect that the feelings of Abdel Pattah Yehia Pasha in regard to the various countries that he visited : are somewhat coloured by the degree of cordiality with f' cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ***.• To 3?1/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
iGYPT and 26 MM3j*J Situation in Egypt; views of Egytian Minister for Registry ij 2901/1/16 Foreign Affairs* Number f Records conversation on 22nd July with Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs, who spoke of Turkey, TELEGRAM FROM Sir M* Roumania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Greece! and alluded Lampson, Cairo* to His Majesty's Government's relations with Japan* No.- 200 Saving Speaking of internal politics in Egypt, he volunteered (en elalr; that only solution was a National Government and Dated 22nd July, expressed opinion that Saadists were likely to "be Received |> 25th July, more of a difficulty than Wafd in this connexion. He in Registry J undertook to take prompt action as regards pernicious 1939. articles in "Misr el Fattat", organ ©f Young Igypt Society* 3 : Igypt ar " Sudan*
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-v- v- ;s I suspect that the feelings of Abdel Pattah Yehia | Pasha in regard to the various countries that he visltedj Next Paper. . i are somewhat coloured by the degree of cordiality with :
»S74i 9/37 K.O.P. whieh / | 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 *** Fo 3TI/Z3306. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
which he was met and the importance of the decorations bestowed upon him. I am not surprised that he had nothing special to say about the Greeks as they paid little attention to him. That he should be full of admiration for King Boris affords further confirmation of his lack of intelligence._ As regards his allusion to our trouble with Japan it is natural that our Ivor*op allies should be anxious that we should sacrifice our interests in the Par East and concentrate on strengthening our position in Europe and the Mediterranean. A National Government is undoubtedly the ideal in Egypt but not under the premiership of Abdel Pattah Yehia Pajsha.
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26th July 1959.
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1 I
From l@fPT» 125 Jill
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telegram (en oiaij.} frcm sir M> B« '(toy -bag) iiad July, 1959. - • &•• iith July, 1959. 10, SOO SAVBTft. 1111111111 I saw Minister for Foreign Affairs today ®n his retina from his t©mr. S. He was enthusiastic about Tur&ey, contemptuous of loimaiiia (except King Carol), full of afcimtioE for the Bulgarians and especially of King Boris, distrustful of the a.at hat nothing, special to say abomt -the Greeks. He spoke most abcmt Bulgaria. He felt there was -in their desire to remain neutral and with their detewiaation not to take the fieia side toy side with their despoilers me lowaniaas. 4*. Ie coafir&ei tlat the Turks were aost anxious we should reach m agreement with Russia. M©lotov was doubtless bargaining, but ©ace we had initiated the Russian negotiations it was Tital to conclude an agreement. I told him the position to date. §. He alluded to our trouble with Japan and expressed ardent hope we should not be led into tying ourselves up in the Far East. I told him I saw no signs of our doing s©. 6. Speaking of internal polities in Bgypt» he volunteered that the ©nlj solution was a national combine to Meet the nation's danger. Other countries, even lufo-Slavla, were doing so. fet here he could get no party nor the Palace, despite his repeated endeavour, to sink their JUL difference.®/ >» A- 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 i 2 Rei* Fo 371/Z3306. £5107 Pies se note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
differences and have confidence in one another. He would nonetheless continue his efforts, lahmoud Pasha had done a<3mirable work and he earnestly hoped his health would allow him to carry on. If he went a national Government was the only true solution, 7. I questioned hia about lahas in that connection, with whom His Excellency has always remained on terms. It seemed to me doubtful whether lahas would be broadminded anomgh to let the fafd come into any national combine; and there was always the hostility of the Palace towards the fafd. His Excellency did not think this latter point should be exaggerated: the fafd press were already being significant- ly more restrained towards the palace. He thought the Saadists (Ahmed Maher, lokrashi etc,) were likely to be more of a difficulty than the fmfd. 8. Finally I invited lis Excellency's attention to the 1 pernicious articles in the "Hisr el Fattat**, the organ of Ahmed Hussein and the Young Igypt Society, I had just been reading some poisonous articles directed against Great Britain and I understood there was shortly to appear an "open letter" inviting the King of England to join Islam on the lines of a similar open letter already addressed by Ahmed Hussein to Hitler. 1 must beg His Excellency to take immediate steps to curb this rag and to see that nothing derogatory to my Sovereign was allowed circulation. It was up to the Egyptian vHl'f Sovemment to take the necessary action of their own initiative. The Minister for Foreign Affairs said he would take prompt action: unfortunately the powers of the Government in regard to the censorship of the press were very limited: but he would at once speak to the Minister of the Interior, Unfortunately the latter was more occupied with personal feuds than attending to his duties. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 Rof, Fo 3TI/Z3306. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
1^25 JUL EGYPT and
Political situation in Egypjt. Registry "', Refers to Cairo despatch No. 871 of 13th July Number / J 2902/1/1 6 (J 2795/1/16). General impression is that Egyptian Prime Minister will resign soon. Attacks against TELEGRAM FROM Dr. Ahmed Maker Pasha's financial integrity have Sir M. Larnpson, culminated in speech "by Nahas Pasha making definite No. ( Cairo ) accusations. Dr. Ahmed Maher is reported to have 205 Saving instructed his lawyer to take action to prosecute Nahas Dated (®n clair) Pasha for libel, "but campaign has prejudiced his chances ,21st July 1939. Received of becoming Prime Minister. Comments on possible in Registry /g§th July successors to Monamed Mahmoud Pasha and on activities of Ali luaher Pasha. Considers that His Majesty's 1939. Government should not intervene in prospective crisis. J : Egypt and Sudan
Last Paper. (Minutes.)
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C.C_i U / >wtv
a. rfJL
It is pretty clear that Ahmed Maher Pasha has been guilty of corruption but if he had not made some personal enemies, in particular the husband of his lady love, his misdeeds would probably not have come to light. As regards the grant of the fertiliser concession to Mr. Polnauer, Honorary Hungarian Consul at Alexandria, Arain Osman Pasha described this in conversation with Mr. Kelly and myself as a 'fluke' 1 He said that this business had not passed through his hands and it was pretty clear from our conversation with him that there had been some dirty work in this connexion. I gave Amin Osman Pasha a brief description of the attempt of the holders of this fertiliser concession to blackmail us, the English Electric Company and Lazards by saying that if they were not provided with capital they ¥^ould prevent the English Electric Company's scheme for the Aswan Dam power and nitrate work from ever entering into effect. We gathered from Amin Osman Pasha that Wahib Bey Doss was implicated, in this Hungarian fertiliser concessicjn business. The award to him of the concession of the Egyptian Markets Limited which took place some months ago was also a dirty pjbce of work. Plowever, I presune that Ahmed Maher Pasha is probably no more corrupt and dishonest than many other of his. compatriots. As regards the successor to the premiership in the event of Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha being compelled t< resign owing to ill health, we must hope that the choice •/-•••' •;.. v 'ML'- cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE insT ***.- To 3TI/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
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choice will not fall on Abdel Fat tab. Yehia Pasha. A*c.*wr Apart from the^attack^on Ahmed Maher Pasha' s financial integrity, it is unliliely that he could, if selected, hold the premiership for long as we have been informed most confidentially by Sir Miles Larapson that he is suffering from some malignant illness from which he will soon die, though he does not know it. On the whole, the best choice seems All Maher Pasha, untrustworthy intriguer ^Wfc'yW tttot.he is, as a national government Could probably not be formed at present and King Farouk will not agree to Nahas Pasha and Makram Pasha returning to poweff. Sir Miles Lampson's recommendation that we should not intervene more than we can help unless there seems probability of a constitutional rumpus is undoubtedly sound. V.
86th July 1939.
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Telegram (en slalr) Sir M, Laxpson
1* t**fc,jjF f-- sstii
tf *t «.»••»*»T * * * 1 * * * *• +{ * Jt 25 JUL "*&rf. .H Tty Me, I to S* § health has onoe deteriorated aai
is that lie will resign §©e»t probably at the e$& of the parliamentary [email protected]* S* Attacks ftp* Pasha* s integrity have oetitiiKi©! and have CBlmtnated ia a en speech bj on the 19th July in which lit definite accusations against to these charges* acquired without payment 17*000 shares of the fee of its of directors felmg his tenure of the Presidency of the KT« Aeeor&ftg to IFabas* Ahned Eah«r, -when fee fetefiae Minister of Finance» ©f these to Mr, PQlxtauer* . Immritry Bongarian Consul* who-was subsequently granted the fertilisers (see eorrespoadiende ending with Mr. Caftndisb-BentifiekU letter of the 8th July), to Wahib Bey fioss*- who was granted the ooncession of the Egyptian Markets Limited (see correspondence ©aiiEg with ^r Ho, 1857 of 19th December* 1858) aad to Abboud Basha oa the 1st July* 1858» i*e*» six days after Maher the duties of Minister of Fiiiaae® wrote a letter to
his.la4y*lovef her that h&A Mm -•lfe&$,.tl» subsidy weald fe® granted to tbe Hiaraomie Kail Line *»* T" 1 2 Retf- Fb 3"?1/Z3306 0*5*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
{see my despatch 10* ffS -of the S6lh June). that AHa©d .had £S*.1Q*QOQ odd over this §.* Aha@d Maher,i« reported to have instronted Ms lawyer, &*r«hi* Bey Bail* to take action to prosecute for libel, £&« lavgwr Is also a of t&t ef directors af the Baitfeu 4. There 1* a feeling that there is in these charges tmi, if llased Jtoher Is absolutely innocent, there snail doubt that his stock as & result of this esjsp&lga has fallen as to prejudice gravely Mi chances of becoming the next Minister* 5, la light of the above prevailing opinion is that ohoioe of !lalia0mi*s is now limited to All Maher or a dusny such as Fattah Tehia or Bey Kh&lil, leoojfdlng to all reports Eisg Farouk is at p»seat disposed to support ./ill Maher's candidature,. Ali Is being supported by el lar&ghi aad even }y 0th@r friends of Mahnood are asxioua that Mahaoud sliouM retire now in view of his ill-^health thus going on good teros with ling Farouk sad aeguieseiaf la .All Maher's afrpointae&t, .All Meter Is reported by one .Pslae© source to be actively consiAeriag eeapeslttoii. of his Cabinet, i. Of all the possible successors Hi Maher is the one who Is likely to the strongest opposition of the lafd who both hate fear Mm. leptrts indicate that .111 Manor Is m& longer hopeful of securing Wafd adhesions to Ms Caoinet* 7* Idea to be that la the event of an All Maher Cabintt, wold one© aore becooe President of the * • • cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I
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necessity
offioially
Sefisltelj ifficulties certainly friendship confidence Minister peratisg notoriow
(on wiileh 1 aJUree4y have your imstrietions) we had feetter not intervene than we earn help in this prospective oriels; or give King Parouk the iffipi^ssiom that we are .opposing his if Ms ohoiee falls om All his the full responsibility f4®* the selee'tlon* 11. Tfee failure ©f Ali liter ss Prime liaister leave tfat rlgiae end. improve the prospoots of tlit lafd*« retmm. to cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I **, To 311/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
inUJ" EGYPT and SUDAN Political situatien in Egypt«. Number 2904/1/16 Iecord.8 conversation of 17th July with Hassanein Pasha, who comiaunicated message from King Parouk FROM Sir M»Lampson, regarding report of projected Italian attack up©n 3airo. to Sir«L« the Sudan and against Suez Canal, and then spoke No. Qliphant* on local situation* Question of successor to Mohamed Maiunoud Pasha in event of his resignation ©wing to ill health was discussed, and Hassanein Pasha 18th July •Received indicated that he considered that Ali Maher Pasha U in Registry was foremost candidate to lead National Government* 1939. Reports also Mr.Saart's conversation with Sheikh el Maraghi, and comments on situation with reference to position of Hafez Afifi Pasha« ,J:J8gypt and Sudan*
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I574I 9/37 n, cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins **• Fb 3TI/Z33Q6. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet
•&*&«
G BRITISH EMBASSY,
ALEXANDRIA. Air-mail bag. 18th July, 1939.
JUL Dear Lancelot, Hassanein telephoned and asked to see me last evening. He duly arrived and then gave me, as % coming direct from King Farouk, what prima facie sounds like a cock-and-bull story about an Italian attack in September upon the Sudan via Oweinat, and against the Canal (see ray telegram No. 198 Saving which goes by this
Uo. air-mail). I showed Hassanein pretty clearly that the story struck me as not being worth much. But as Hassanein had come down directly from King Farouk to give it to me I took note of it to report home. We then had a general conversation on the local situation, and it has since crossed ray mind that quite possibly he had been sent down by the Monarch to try and find out the lines on which our thoughts are working, in the light of the illness of the Prime Minister... Sir Lancelot Oliphant, K.C.M.G. , C.B. , Foreign Office.
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BRITISH EMBASSY,
ALEXANDRIA. -2- Minister. As you know, poor Mohamed Mahmoud is a very sick man ("blood pressure) and has only consented to stay on under pressure from King Farouk. The poor man is once more ill again this week-end. I was to have seen him first of all yesterday morning, then postponed to this morning, and now I am told that his doctor has still forbidden him to receive any visitors. So it doesn't look too good, and undoubtedly speculation is rife as to what will happen if unfortunately he should have to throw his hand in. Knowing that Hassanein has perhaps more influence at the moment with our young friend than anyone else, I thought it opportune to open out a bit. I said that of course we should deeply deplore Mohamed Mahraoud's going. He was an honest, straightforward man with whom one could deal and upon whom one could rely. Nothing could have been better or more sincere ; I than his cooperation with us since he came into office. : It would be a great blow, therefore, if he had to go. But if his health really cracked and he felt he must put in his resignation to save his life, the one point on which we were clear was that nothing should be done in* . . Vyr1 rr
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ALEXANDRIA. —3— in regard to Ms succession which would risk provoking a constitutional crisis in the country. Furthermore, in days of national danger such as those in which we were now living the ideal struck one as being the formation of some sort of National Government. I knew the difficulties in the way of achieving that "but times were critical and the various political leaders should be called upon to sink their personal differances and join in a united patriotic effort to serve their country. Hassanein said at once that on "both my points he emphatically agreed. A constitutional crisis now would be fatal; a National Government was the obvious ideal. We then drifted into a discussion of possible names to lead such a Government and it was clear to me that Ali Maher was the candidate foremost in Hassanein's mind. Indeed I shouldn't be surprised if that was the real reason why he had come down to see me. He remarked that Ahmed Maher was now out of the serious running, largely as the result of the Pharaonic...
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BRITISH EMBASSY,
ALEXANDRIA. -4- Pharaonic Mail Line affair. Abdel Pattah Yehia was hopeless. The only man with any real qualifications was Ali Haher. I said that having worked with Ali Maher for some six months as Prime Minister I knew how efficient in administration he was, Taut what about the attitude of Parliament and the country? Hassanein laughed and said that so far as Parliament was con- cerned they were always amenable to pressure, and he didn't seern to worry too much about lack of support in the country. I observed that that might or might not "be so, but surely after the way they had been treated by him the Wafd would never agree to pull together with Ali Maher? On the contrary, I should have thought they would have most bitterly opposed him even to the extent of rendering a Government under him impossible. To this Hassanein made no special comment. Oddly enough this conversation with Hassanein synchronised with a talk which Smart was having by request at the same hour with Sheikh el Maraghi at his hotel, for hardly had Hassanein left my...
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BRITISH EMBASSY,
ALEXANDRIA. -5- my room when Smart came osrer to tell me that the Sheikh had quite obviously "been canvassing for our support of Ali Maher, even to the extent of advocating our taking some sort of initiative to secure his appointment. Naturally I told Smart - and he agreed - that there was nothing doing and that our only sound line was "to wait and see".
I thought it just as well to let you know what seems to "be in the wind, for it looks as though the issue might "be forced at any minute. It all depends on Mahmoud's health, and I had hoped to know better about that after seeing him this morning. Indeed I had intended to talk to him about future possibilities if he found he could not carry on. Not having been able to see him of course I haven't been able to do that, but I hope he may be well enough tomorrow or within the next few days, when one may hope to know a little better what the situation is. It will be a cursed nuisance if he goes, XM^ the plain ; fact is that there is nobody else of his calibre to take his place. Practically all the old brew have
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Ni«vl 7• BRITISH EMBASSY, X,
ALEXANDRIA. -6-
dropped out: only Sidky is left and he certainly would be inadmissible, noF would the country'stand for him for a moment. That leaves only the two Maher brothers, Abdel Fattah Yehia, and Nahas, of the more outstanding politicians. There are of course other names such, for example, as Hafez Afifi, that spring to one's mind, 'and I believe that Hafez Afifi, though not a strong man in any sense of the wor (Index.) /W*™, •L LJX. . «-jv«-t L*~ ext Paper. «V 16757 3/38 F.C?,P. 21 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I **• To 311/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet EGYPT and SUDAN £ > 2927/1/16 AnglQ_-Bgypt i an re 1 at ion SJ»T FROM M« Amine Yousse Uomments on the situation in Egypt and submits Miy Kelly recommendations as to policy which he considers His Majesty's Government should adopt. Refers to His • Confidential, Majesty's Government's attitude in the case of the Nessim Pasha and on the occasion of the death of the Dated S6th July, daughters of Moustafa Pahmi Pasha. Submits memorandum Received ~\ 28th July, giving his views on action necessary for successful in Registry f ^939 implementation of Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of Alliance, and on preparation and organisation of the Egyptian "J: Egypt and Sudan people for an emergency* Last Paper. References. v ft ^ jbk ' "*1/)/N/ Kt**rt^ >.'V UU^ , "K-^ Hi •L 'U u Next Paper. «. ,5^^*—^ 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I i 1 2 Ref, To 3TI/Z3306. 85307 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I f To 311/I33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Dear Sir, - V/^Jl1^ ^ -- I think it is my duty, on the occasion of my present visit to England, to draw your attention and the attention of those in power to the situation in Egypt as I see it today. Since you left our country many things have happened\and although most of the mistakes made are the result of the strife between parties and authorities in Sgypt, I feel that this atmosphere is a grave menace to the friendly feeling for England which had been fostered by the signing of the Treaty. It is essential that we should realise the situation in Egypt as it is and not as we would wish it to be. I have always been optimistic, but it is difficult to be so today; even the firm conviction in the British sense of justice and fair play, which I have had for the last 25 years, begins to waver, as a result of many events. I am at this moment writing my memoirs, but I do not think it would be fulfiling my duty to myself and to my country if I were to make public these doubts with regard to the justice and fair play on the part of my British friends. You may think that this is the result of my personal feeling, because I have not been sufficiently helped by ray influential (Index.) Paper. IS74I 9/37 F-O.P. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE »* Fo S11/Z3306. 85807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet • British friends who know that I am today, suffering as f a result of my staunch friendship to G-reat Britain during most critical times; for those in power in Sgypt today are a coalition of those elements which at different times during the last 20 years have not "been very friendly to British policy and for this reason circumstances have forced me to "be against them. There is no doubt that the personal element does exist, but I believe that its implications are more vital and important than my personal feelings. There are things which I know are wrong, though it would be very difficult to interfere and put them right because Egypt is an independent country, but in my own and many other cases something ought _to have been done morally and through indirect support, in order to convince the young men of Egypt today that G-reat Britain is still loyal to her friends who help he.r while they are helping their own country atjthe same time. Another example is the case of the late ITessim t"A-i«4^v"V.t3 i Pasha who, during his tgasr&ls just before his death, was ignored-by his British friends when his powerful opponents persecuted, him and tried to slander him on the occasion of his engagement to a lady of foreign nationality. This treatment of many Egyptian gentlemen v/ho are persecuted in our country for their old friendship to G-reat Britain at a time when she was on bad terms with some of the (Index.) «t Paper. ,/* I574I 9/J7 i cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins Fo 3T1/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet ^^^ powerful groups in the country has had a great effect on many of the Egyptian leaders of public opinion. For these reasons, I am allowing myself to encroach on your time to ask you if something cannot "be done in a general way to reinstate Britain's prestige in Egypt and show that Great Britain is still the champion of liberty, justice and fair play, and that whatever "be the cost, a start will be made in the right direction to "bring "back this impression. I have another case in mind which I am afraid had a very "bad effect on public opinion in Egypt, although I realise that British opinion may attribute far less importance to it than, we do. When last Spring the two daughters of Moustafa Fahray Pasha and the only two sisters of Madame Zaghloul Pasha died on the same day (lloustafa Fahmi Pasha, as you know, had "been. Prime Minister in Egypt for 18 years and most loyal and friendly to Great Britain at the expense of the hatred of the Khedive and of the extremists in Egypt towards him) neither the British Government nor the British Embassy sent any official sympathy to the family, which was greatly resented "by public opinion. The'only thing done was that a private letter of sympathy was sent from Lady Lampson to Madame Zaghloul Pasha, which was, after all, only a social duty, and in spite of the negligence of the British Embassy in Egypt to myself, I telephoned to Mr. Hamilton, the Assistant (Index.) jxt Paper. IS74I 9/37 *-O.P. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 i 2 r Rei -i Fb 3~H/2,330o. 85*07 Pies se note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Oriental Secretary in the Embassy, and drew his attention to what was expected of them. Even the King, who considered Moustafa Fahnii as an enemy of his family, had sent a special representative to sympathise with the family. You will understand the sensitiveness of Oriental countries to such omissions to send messages of sympathy to families of old and important friends who have helped Great Britain in the past. I am only citing this instance to bring my point of view "before you and I take the opportunity of suggesting that irrespective of the fact that the unsettled situation in Egypt is due to the faults of the Egyptians themselves, the present is a propitious moment to encourage a new constructive policy in the country, from which the masses of Egypt can learn and understand that G-reat Britain not only sympathises with them but is ready 1® help them by giving good advice for the betterment of their conditions, so that if it is necessary to prepare for war, the old seeds of discontent which caused trouble in 1919 will not reappear. In the present crisis Egypt is in need not only of the material assistance of G-reat Britain, but what is more important is the moral support, even at the risk of being unjustly accused of interference, so that the ordinary man in the street will understand that his standard of life, liberty of thought and the rights which he had before the days of the Treaty have not been violated after the Treaty. (Index.) net Paper. IS74I 9/J7 *-O.P. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I ** To 3TI/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet needs either a national Government representing all parties, irrespective of the foolish policy of slander"and hatred between the leaders, or, if that is impossible , a Government composed of a few independent, honest, fair-ro.in.ded and courageous Egyptians who will continue their efforts to "build up the Treaty in such a way that the ordinary man vail regard it as a "blessing to himself and to his country. Yours faithfully, xt Paper. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE iris T Ref.: Fb 311/Z3306. 35807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 12.7.39. Was the Treaty between Egypt and Great Britain a success, and ?/hat ought to lie done to make it a success ? SDhis is really a very difficult question, and one which is particularly hard for me to answer. For £5 years, I have "been trying to convince the English and the Egyptians that when the Treaty "between Egypt and Great Britain was signed, it should "be for the test interests of both countries. After nearly three years , neither the Egyptians nor the British are happy about the situation. Is it the fault of the British, or is it the fault of the Egyptians, or is it the fault of both sides ? / It may be brought forward as 921 excuse that Egypt must be given time, like other countries who have become to independent, to make mistakes and^.try and overcome them, and I believe if the international situation were not as serious as it is to-day, the English would not mind a great deal how the Egyptians worked out their independence, so long as the principal interests of the British were safe. For the common man in the street, who understands independence to mean the alleviation of all his miseries and the realisation of all his hopes, there does not appear to be any real change in the direction he was hoping. On the contrary, he finds that the independence has been accompanied by certain drawbacks which have affected his liberty, happiness and prosperity. jxt Paper. IS74I 9/J7 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I , To 311/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet On the other hand, the Britisher has not found in the Treaty what he anticipated with regard to the increase 9 of trade with this country, nor has there "been a much greater enthusiasm for British interests than formerly existed. British trade is still suffering and nothing has "been done to remedy this state of affairs. To say that the Treaty has been respected by both Governments is not enough to make it a success, especially at a time when international difficulties make it a necessity for the people of both countries to support not only the letter but also the spirit of the Treaty. It is true that Britain cannot be held responsible from a legal point of view because we cannot carry on as we expected to do, and it is equally not the fault of the Egyptians that British traders cannot establish British, trade on a solid basis, so that they can, compete easily with foreign traders from a commercial point of view. This, however, is no excuse for the two nations not finding a way to help each other towards ±ta£ prosperity and the safe- guarding of each other's interests. After all my experience I am bound to say that the interests of both countries are so closely linked together that their difficulties could not be solved by keeping to the legal side only of treaties and alliances. Egypt is anxious that her independence should be respected and Great Britain is anxious that the terms of the Treaty shall be respected, but respecting the Treaty does not i «t Paper. 15741 9/J7 *-O.P. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 1 I 2 **• To 3T1/Z3306. $5107 | Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet ; - i [: ifl ;•'* ••; | . j : ; : ;• « ; mean leaving one's friend and ally to suffer for her faults : \ .v! 1 i without giving her advice and assistance to enable her to ' 'i .': ' ;! • carry on, especially when her new life and independence call ; . t 1 for considerable tact and sacrifice to enable her to reach ! the goal of peace and prosperity. s|i ''• * i i ;l • i • :' i I As long as the British array remains in Egypt, 1 i 1 ! j J ' '' Britain must be responsible for any abnormal conditions in i li ' ' ' 1 ..-'I i i the life of the country. It is quite clear that if there i : i ^ • ' ;;' ' is trouble, Britain will be forced to interfere and suppress \ any rebellion in the country, so that it is useless for British statesmen in Britain and Egypt to entrench themselves behind legal arguments. It is also of no avail for the ijii j i Egyptian authorities, when they refuse to help British trade : jlif ' and British interests in a practical way, to offer as an i !'|: ' • Ni ; excuse the general competition in trade and industry. •\ 3J : But what can be done on both sides to make the ; situation more normal, the treaty better understood and the j:-! ; ;• ii i prosperity of both nations assured ? At the present moment there is a new disease in i ' ii ' ... • i i '» i ; -;i: the world which ought to be cured very tactfully - the belief l;|l ' i that Democracy must necessarily mean prosperity and peace. •'•IfM h i'I • :',! !! :i • i j Since the Treaty was signed, nothing has been done ; i; :1| in a general way in either country to make the public I'1 •!> - i HP : ii;: i appreciate that the reality of the Treaty is essential for f II ; ;:l i the life of both countries. The party policy in Egypt after • i ii : the signing of the Treaty, the jealousy of the leaders and ;' i the collusion between different powers governing the country, ' ' !| ' 1! ' ^ ! ;|j : 1 (Index.) !.'; '• !:' L : 1 ; | jxt Paper. !! ! i '. i i i !' ! ' • • ^ ! i ' it IS74I 9/J7 .i| 1 ? ins I 1 Rei?, To S11/Z3306. 85*07 caoc v use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed 'Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet ____ have all led to such an impossible situation, that the (Treaty itself has "been forgotten. People say that time solves all difficulties, "but this is not altogether true at a time of international crisis. Extensive propaganda and publicity is essential in order to convince the Egyptian people, as well as the G-overnment, that they must "be loyal and steadfast to the Treaty. They must "be taught what sufferings they would have to endure if Britain were not there to defend .them in time of danger. I cannot understand why it is that since the British nation have been prepared for any eventuality, we Egyptians have done nothing to present to the general public a picture of the situation as it is, and not as we would like it to be. I am sure that neither the farmers in the villages, nor the labourers in the towns, have any understanding, even on a small scale, of the dangerous international situation. There are many precautions which ought to be taken beforehand, and which call for co-operation of all the leaders with the Government. There are many things which we obtain from abroad and which would be very difficult to procure after a war had broken out. The food question should be studied seriously. It is not enough to say that we can live on our own products. A country like Egypt ought to be trained to organise every man, with the help of the G-overnment and the leaders of public opinion, so that every individual knows what to do on the outbreak of war. The life of the country should be organised, so that every family knows where to buy (Index.) wet Paper. iS74i 9/37 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I «*/ To 3TI/Z3306. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet the necessities of life and to obtain ration tickets in respect of articles purchased abroad. To say that this would frighten the people is nonsense. It is better to frighten them to-day than to face chaos if war came without public opinion having been prepared beforehand to meet it with courage, sacrifice and goodwill. I suggest that the first thing to do is to try and awaken public interest to follow what is happening; to organise the Press in this country; to increase broadcasting; to put up patriotic signs and hold lectures which educated people can easily understand; to send some of the educated unemployed t.o the different Tillages so that they may help people to understand the situation and tell them what to do in the event of an outbreak of war. The English in Egypt have already arranged for every British subject in the country to do what he can in time of war. They have gone so far as to arrange where to put the families of the men who would be mobilized. It is of no use leaving these things until the last moment, and the more efficiently Egypt is prepared for war, the less likely the Dictators will be to commence hostilities. With the threat of war hanging over us, it is essential for the Egyptian Government to try and influence public opinion towards beginning to economise now, instead of GontimtSbng-1 their normal existence as in times of peace. An effort should be made to impress upon the students in (Index.) Paper. IS74I 9/37 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE "ins" **/..- Fo 3T1/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet the different Universities and Schools that they must, in the interests of their country and the common welfare, stop complaining about their salaries, and that these may even have to be reduced if it is found necessary in case of emergency to spend millions of pounds in defence. If the Treaty, and our new and independent existence which we derive from it, are to be a success, we must have a strong patriotic policy, the object of which is to implant in the mind of the younger generation, whose future life it will govern, the seeds of order and peace and the spirit of sacrifice of individual interests for the common good. The Government should purchase immediately what is needed from abroad, before it is too late. Films and broadcasting should be used everywhere, and especially in the schools. Something must be done to show to the world, and to ourselves, not only by words but by deeds, that we are a nation worthy of our independence, and that we are the true sons of our forefathers, who worked for the glory of civilisation. The duty of the schools to-day is to teach our young men what they can do to help their country. In this connection we need, not only the courageous efforts of our Egyptian leaders of public opinion, but the inspiration, assistance and advice of our great Ally. We need the British in Egypt to join in making the public understand the situation and its dangers. We need Egyptian men at home to I advise their sons and daughters what to do if their services if ' wet Paper. i574i 9/37 F.O.P. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins To 371/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 7. are called for "by the nation. We need the singers to change their songs of peace to songs of war, or, at any rate, to patriotic songs. When I see the way in which students and yoimg people are "behaving to-day, seeding only their own pleasure and neglecting their duty to their country, it makes me very sad;; "but this is not their fault; it is the fault of those who have not had the courage to enlighten public opinion as to the dangers of the real situation. fi But I am sure , in spite of these drawbacks , that the nationalist spirit is only dormant , and can be easily awakened if a strong lead is given by the Government itself and by the leaders of public opinion. The Egyptian Government must secretly ascertain which people among the different nationalities are not to be trusted if war broke out, and must keep always vigilant in this respect , so that they will not be caught unawares if, in spite of our hopes, a crisis has to be faced. &X4*x, tj> I thought it my duty to send this warning the medium of— your- paper , in the hope that both English and Egyptians will co-operate in endeavouring to make the ^Ac/£«V-fc«S3 i, &-»-{£ C«nt/ (Index.) J574I 9137 V-O.P. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 » , »* To 3TI/Z3306. 85807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet tells 1,1© tl*at thi? a eo/ p,«f«a &-> •$<& I is w no- tJ neic axt Paper. f. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 ** Fo 3TI/Z3306. 85S07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet BQYPT and SUDAN Registry Suggestion that King ffarouk shotild "be Number f S9 44/1/16. Ooionelcy of British Regiment £ proxiosed State Yisit to United Kingdom of King Faroufc* TELEGRAM FROM Sir M» .Lamp son. Hopes to be received in audience by King (Cairo) Farouk on 25th July 415.Deeypher* Enquires whether there is anything he Dated 2Qth may say about (a) Colonelcy of British regiment Received for His Majesty (bs) State Visit to United Kingdom* Registry July 1939 Egypt and Sudan Last Paper. References. (How disposed of.) Next Paper. f 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 \**j To 3Tf/Z33o£. 35S07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Deeypher. Sir 1. Lampson, (Alexandria). July 20th, 1959. D. 8.§5.p.m. July 20th, 1959. 1. 10.0. p.m. July 20th, 1959. lo. 415. Following for Sir L. Oliphant:- I hope to be received in farewell audience on July 25th. Is there anything I can say about (A) Colonelcy, (B) State visit? 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 1 I 2 1 i ,,«! 1 f"" <** ««, ,/* ^r\ «"»*«» >^/* « «•- -n -» Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet COPT. (3 2944/1/16) Telegram to Sir Miles Lampson, Cairo. Despatched Foreign Office, dated 22nd July, 1939, at 10.30 p.m. No. 495. Your telegram 415 (21st July) Following from Oliphant. Personal and Confidential* Colonelcy is proving difficult as no regiment can "be compelled, even in the case of a member of the British Eoyal Family, to accept a nominee and hitherto it has not "been found possible to find a regiment willing to accept King Farouki !Ehe question of the royal visit is "being actively pursued "but decision "by the 25th July appears most improbable. On the other hand if, repeat if, favourable decisions can "be taken shortly after your arrival here I feel that this might be attributed by His Majesty to your personal intervention and thus enhance your own position. Unless then you hear further before the 25th July you mist, I regret to say, mention neither possibility at your audience. Secretary of State who is away, has suggested by telephone that I might add to the above that you might mention that despatch of the Heron Force, see Secretary of State's telegram 493 (of the 21st July), has finally been decided owing to His Majesty's intervention. But I pointed out that we do not want to belittle Egyptian Prime Minister or to enable His Majesty or His Excellency to make capital out of this matter to the other's detriment. Secretary of State is then content to leave you discretion. V) '574* 9/37 r.w.r. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I \*ef, To 3T1/Z3306. 85807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet • EGYPT ano Political situation in_ Bgypt. Registry ^ 2945/l/±6 Number j Records conversation on 22nd July with-Egyptian Prime Minister who referred to attack by Nahas Pasha TELEGRAM FROM upon Ahmed Matter Pasha, whose subsequent offer to Sir M. Lamps_on, Cairo resign had been refused. Prime Minister said he hoped to be able to stay on in office after a rest. No. 806 Saving. He spoke of intrigues by Ali Maher Pasha, and said that if he were obliged to resign he would recommend Dated 2Snd July, King Farouk to appoint Ahmed Maher Pasha as his Received \ 31st July, successor. In response Sir M. Lampson mentioned t« Registry j 1939. possibility of National Government. M: Egypt and Sudan. Last Paper. (Minutes.) I 4AJL* 1 w yi w References. ybU 9 w, ^ ^«w<^0 ^ ; (Print.) 4*^. v^\S (JSTow disposed of.) Action (Index.) jbleted.) v V ^A Next Paper. IS74I 9/37 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I , To 371/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Telegram (em eiair) fro® Sir M* LaHpson (Alexandria) JUL »« 26ta July 19§9» U 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 1 I 21 f. r- m^j* t * -•»«••» ^ f <•"> r--.-*-» Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 2* had been that hi© hoped to be able to stay on quite a nhile yet, but that if he went his recommendation to King Farouk would b@ to .• appoint Ahmed and not All laherj he would help anyone whose prograiffle was to work with Parliament, 4. Prime Minister continued that All Haher was at the back Of all the stories that are now circulating; such as that it was only out of pity that ling Farouk had refused to let hi® resign* Prime Minister proposed in near future to speak to ling Faroufc again, saying that he did not intemd to gi?e appearance of clinging to office if His Majesty really did not want him* 5, I told him I hoped he would, not worry orer the usual intrigues, fe certainly hoped he would stay on with restored health, |auuas youAr /messag* . e would ha?e shown Mia (see your telegram Io.%80 of llt wh July). For the rest, if unfortunately he had to go we were clear that any appointment of a successor that led to a constitutional split in the country should be avoided* and I hoped he would discourage the ling from any such step. If Hi Maher was in fact naaed it was essential he should be assured of the support of Parliament: and that seemed prJbna ...facie difficult, though odd things sometimes happened in Egypt (His Excellency agried). To me the idea in present circumstances seemed to be a national government: if the Wafd refused to participate it would be their loss, and they would be branded in the eyes of the country as preferring party prejudice to the national interest. Prime Minister agreed. ! ! 6, He struck me as mentally alert: but his colour is very bad. He seemed confident howeter that with a spell of rest he will be restored to health. u cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins Fb 311/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet EGYPT and SUDAN \ J 2948/1/16 Political situation in Egyp_t;n Attitude of King Farouk. Number Reports audience "of King Farouk""on 26th July", when General Wilson and Mr- Sterndale Bennett were presented* ?TELEGRAM FROM King Farouk spoke freely about internal affairs and Sir ' M. Lamp son , Ca i ro discussed situation ii event of resignation of |Vo. 212 Saving. Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha. Sir M. Lampson spoke of need for action in accordance with Constitution and of possibility of National Government. His Majesty1 Dialed 26th July, commented on activities of Nahas Pasha and the Wafd. uked \31st July, He expressed great gratitude for decision to reinforce fi« Registry / 1939. British garrison in Egypt, and e^ressed hope that tfc' If:' Egypt and, Sudan. His Majesty's Government would continue to stufl-"' question of defence of the Sudan. LastA Paper. (Minutes.) Ki~* P" References. (±4$£Z JL. (Print.) *• VA. /.O^VC^C ( (How disposed of.) xx^n- /OLXAA^- '^Action npleted.) Next Paper. IS74I 9/37 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 Ref.: To 311/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet cms "PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE 0*5*07 u. Fawn; Telegram (@a olair) Sir M. Lampeoa, (Alexandria.), S. bag) July 86tht I. July 89th, . us, •"-oQo-—•«—• I was received in farewell audience by King. Far0uk today whsu I presented General Wilson and lr. sterndale Bennett. 8.. When these two had withdrawn His Majesty, 100 was in most affable mood, for the first tiaie in my dealings with hi® spoke quite freely about internal affairs.., and seemed to w©loom© my coMi@ut. He sail .he was afraid the Pria@ Minister was **foutuw. His &0ell0n.cy migbt think. hl$ health oould be restored, but lit Majesty aid not believe, it. And he was poizled how to hsMle things if he.vent• • ilven this opening I suggested it mmld be most unfortunate if the Prime Minister had to go; this was certainly no ttne for a ohaage. Maybe tfahnoud Pasha might .be afcl© to hold on until tfce autman when matters would take their normal oourse. For the rest His Majesty might remember that I had always counselled him that his whole strength as a CQJistittitioiwl Monarch lay ii acting strictly in accordance with the Constitution: then no one could legitimately attaok him. 1 added it had always seemed to ms that if Mahmoud Pasha had unfortunately to go, this was a tim® for a national 03vernment representative of all parties. His Majesty laughed and paid Tea, that is the ideal: but you forget this, is the Orient": and things did not work out here that way. I suggesttd that it had happened in countries of race, sueh as Yugoslavia: if G'roatg mad Serbs could tef ^ cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE i ntffmf , i F- SwoJ w311/13306 * * / *•»• *** '. _____^^_—••^^••••••••••••••••••^^^•^•••••^•ia Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use off marbe sublet to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 2, get together In- times of stress, surely Egyptians all of the same race should be able to do so? But he remained sceptical. And It propos of all Egyptian politician's said he had already learmed he could trust none of them. From this he drifted into caustic? comment of the Wafd; and itiat did I think of their present antivBritish campaign? I replied I thought it most childish and ill-advised in their own interest: but f ahas always had bean pig-headed. His Majesty said that was the correct word. I then mentioned that only yesterday a prominent fafdist (Haadi Seif el lasr) had been to s@@ me on an entirely non-political matter, and I had told hi® to tell his party leaders how foolish they w@r© feeing. I had at the same time pat it to him that he should tell lahas to drop his present line and be ready to play up for the country's good (I did not add that Saudi had replied that lahas wuld aerer do that'). King Farouk indicated his view that lahas and. his party were hopeless. Pursuing the idem of a national government His Majesty observed that there were now practically no **elder statesmen11 left. This made the problem all the more puzzling. 5. I got the impression that he has not yet made up his aind what course to follow if lohaned lahmoud goes. But he took the constitutional point mid admitted its soundness. 4. His Majesty expressed great gratitude for the despatch of the Palestine brigade and Heron brigade. He was much beholden to His Majesty's Sov ©rament for having given ear to what he had said at my last audience on 8th July. He had earlier in the conversation discussed with General Wilson.the disposition ©f Heron brigade and promised all facilities as regards sites for camps,etc. fie still takes a teen interest in 2\ cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins T R*f., Fo 371/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet m the defence of the Sa&an which be hopecl aoct earnestly we iould; continue to study. He also stoned lit ©rest to the forthcoming Fleet manoeuvres along the Egyptian coast. 10' enquired anxiously on the question of credits and bo^ed there SQOB be fgrotirable news froa London* » to leering fiis Majesty he said toe feafi been greatly and relieved by our decision to reinforce in Egypt: and that as a result tee felt definitely happier regarding tie sitttmtiou. 6. His Majesty's attitude could not hare been more satisfactory or friendly. It oonfixas ay earlier iapresslon that his intentions towards us are for the ®©®e»t excellent. I suspect that the elimination of Bindaxi Pasha's evil influence (he recently sailed for Brussels) has largely contributed to this. '133 ••—•-• 11 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 ** To 3H/Z3306. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet ___... Ji Egyptian 6 5 JJl. 1931 Otn: Sir M. Lamp son, Arain 0sman Pasha. Alexandria. Suggests that Mr. Kelly might warn Atain Osrnan Pasha Mr. Kelly to be most circumspect in what he writes to his Wafdist friends, as a recent letter of his to Makrara Pasha 416 Cypher referring to the VVafd relations with the Palace has incited adverse comment and may even have come to the Strictly persona ears of the Palace. July 22nd, 1939. July 22nd, 1939. Last Paper. (Minutes.) References. I told Amin Osman Pasha that I had heard from a private source that people were talking about some references he was said to have made to the relations of the Wafd with the Palace in a recent letter to a Wafdist (Print.) friend - said to be Makrara Pasha. Amin said, and at a later meeting reverted to the subject and amplified it, ! (How disposed of.) that he had not written to Makram or any other Wafdist since he left Egypt and had even refrained from enquiring about Nahas Pasha's health, although the latter had had an operation on his eye. He seemed, in fact, genuinely ' puzzled by my warning, and thought some one might have I been embroidering on some private conversation he might have had in Egypt. lotion • (Iniaex.) apleted.) Next Paper. 12282 n/35 F.O.P. 1 f 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 1 I 2 I™""* *** «tt* A & f\ «*»«»» ^ ^ rt <•- .M^n-T Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Despatched \ " ^ iT\ me received in Room 19 : 21 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I I *** To 311/Z33Q6. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet EGYPT and SUDAN \ J 3046/1/16 Proposed vi sly to London of Egyptian Prime Minister J 1LEGRAM FROMMP* Refers to Cairo telegram No. 206 Saving of 22nd rndale-Bennett. July (J 2945/1/16). Oatto) Egyptian Prime Minister states that he has abandonee! 217 (Savi the idea of a rest at Kersa Matruh and expects to V visit London about the middle of August for- medical 29th July, treatment* 5th August, 1939 Egypt and Sudan Last Paper. L>A»* «-V-> Next Paper. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 *<*-• To 3TI/Z3306. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Decode. Ir. Bennett (Alexandria). July* 1989* 4th ABgwt, 1930* I.. 4th August, 1989. I©» 817. (Swing). (E). Sir'• Mies. Lampsons telegram Ho. 206 Prine Minister told me ttiis morning that lie had abandoned tlie idea of a rest at Hersa liatruh and tfiat he expected to go to London about t&e middle of August Mfor medical treatment**. 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins **f. To 8T1/Z3306. 25107 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet King Farouk's private fortune : Mr. Sterndale Bennett, With reference to Mr. Bentinck's letter in J 2402/G- Alexandria. the Embassy have so far been unable to get any precise information regarding the places where King Farouk's Mr. Cavendish- private fortune is at present invested or deposited. Bentinck. 289/37/39 SECRET ed! 27th July 1939. Last Paper. 2402/G References. 2402/G Action pleted.) Next Paper 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 **• Fc 3TI/Z3306. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet i *>' JL «tf I «/ ^/AT BRITISH EMBASSY, ,8 ALEXANDRIA. 289/37/39. 27th July, 1939. SEC R ST. My dear Bill, With reference to your Secret letter J 2402/G of the 20th June last, we have so far been unable to get any precise information regarding the places where King Farouk1s private fortune is at present invested or deposited. It is known that a largish sum is invested in Italy and that both King Puad and King Farouk vainly tried to get it out. We believe the sum of £.1. 10,000,000 to £.!. 12,000,000 to be an exaggerated estimate of King Puad's private fortune, and,, whatever the figure may have been, a considerable part was invested in land in Egypt. Yours ever, Cavendish Sentinels:, Esq., Foreign Office, S.W.I. (Index.) IS74I 9/37 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 ** To 3Tf/Z33o6. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet EGYPT and SUDAN JO AUG 3130/1/16. Sir 1. Lam son Gives account of difficulties experienced in (Cairo) tti^n?VUdiSnce ?fKin g Parouk» a^d comments on 260/16/39T attitude of King Parouk and Palace officials. Co fcwrU.Oli 25th July 1939. egistry /Oth AUg:1939 Egypt and Sudan. Last Paper. / /vv/«>k>^., cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I \*ef. To 311/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed 'Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet BRITISH EMBASSY ALEXANDRIA. 25th July, 1939. 260/16/39. S 10 AUG 1933 % dear Lancelot, I have "been having some more trouble with the Palace about obtaining audiences.1 And though these things have small intrinsic importance, they are of general interest as indicating the general slackness and lack of "correctitude" in high quarters. Last week the new General Officer Commanding- in-Chief (?/ilson) asked me if I would present him to King Farouk before I went on leave, and it struck me it would be a good idea to combine this with my own farewell audience, and with the presentation of Sterndale Bennett as Charge d'Affaires. So I wrote the usual formal request to the Grand Chamberlain on 17th July, and handed it personally to Hassanein Pasha . , with an explanation that 25th July (the day before my « departire) would be the most convenient date both for, the General .and for myself, He promised to try and '• fix that. /Having Sir Lancelot Oliphant, K.C.M.G., C.B., Foreign Office, 8-W .1. sv>~ (Index.) >W ext Paper. I574I 9/37 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins T Ref, To 3TI/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Having heard nothing by Saturday 22nd I had enquiries made at the Palace, and learned that no decision had been made. I was promised a reply over the weekend. On Monday morning (the day before the date for which I had requested the audience) the staff made further enquiries at the Palace, and were told by the Third Chamberlain that the King had "only returned the night before, and had just been apprised of my request". His Majesty had apparently gone to Cairo on Friday night. I was given to under- stand that an answer could not be promised until the evening. By this time, besides being d—d rude, it was becoming most inconvenient for the General not knowing when he should come down from Cairo. He, for his part, naturally was inclined to be costive with my staff for the uncertainty*' I accordingly rang Hassanein up myself and told him what I thought about the whole affair* He professed to believe that he had told me on 17th July that the audience would take place on 25th July, and that the only question remaining to be settled was the exact -Rime. I said I had most definitely /not ixV-**- ^rv (Index.) %ci. ext Paper. '5741 9/37 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I **, To 371/2:3306. 35807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet not had that impression, lout however that might "be, it was surely intolerable that I could not be told twenty-four hours in advance what time the King could receive me. He again promised a definite reply in the evening. By 7.30 nothing had happened, so further ii encpiries were made, which elicited the information, about 8.0 p.m., that the Third Chamberlain had just been sent to the Palace to fix the arrangements for my audience the next day. Finally, at about 8.30 p.m., the message came through that I was to be received at 4.0 p.m. today. This was confirmed by the usual formal note from the Grand Chamberlfcin which reached my hands at 10 p.m.I i.e. much less than twenty-four hours before the hour fixed for the audience.' I have recorded all this just to show you the sort of way this Court is run and the trash we are always up against. I imagine it to be the old story of no-one having the courage to force the boy to behave properly. Yours ever, I v sw~ (Index.) >W text Paper. 15741 9/37 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 *•* To 3TI/Z3306. 85S07 I Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Nahas Pasha against AhmedMaher Pasha 3144/1/16, No.206 Saving of the 82nd terndale Beanetcai re Parquet has committed Nahas Pasha for trial bv ^•220 Saving(cn claii ssize Court, * D«/«rf8th August, 1939 Received \ m %*s/ryl^th Aug, 1939 : Egypt and Sudan. Last £aper References. (How disposed of.) /(<*-»— A0~ Action leted.) Next Paper. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I \**f..- Fb 311/2J306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet AUG !$*•< {. feQYPT and ' Resipna^icpL...TQ.f_Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha, Prime ' J- J 3150/1/16. Minister of Egypt* "" All Maher Pasha informed "Daily Telegraph" ELEGRAM FROM correspondent on 12th August that Mohamed Mahraoud teridale Bennett Pasha, was tendering his resignation to King (Cairo ,J I"" Farouk that afternoon, and said that selection of r 45l75ecypher. new Prime Minister might be a matter of some days. He added that matter was complicated Toy expected rf 12th August, visit to Egypt of King of Roumania. Ali Maher Pasha is at present favourite for succession to ^3feta August, Mohamed Mahraoud Pasha. 1939. It seems that Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha's decision ; Egypt and Sudan. was suggested to him by King Parouk. Last Paper. (Minutes.) References. Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha's continuous ill health, combined with his continuing determination to attend to everything himself, has greatly hampered our numerous negotiations on defence and allied matters and during the absence of our tactful intermediary, Arain Osrnan (Print.) Pasha, for the last six weeks the delays have become quite grave. Provided Ali Maher Pasha continues to be (How disposed of.) sound (as I have always believed) on the main issues, * \ his succession may possibly be helpful to us - for the | moment, anyway. i j Ali Maher Pasha1 s successioii seems highly probable ! i •1*, since Ms brother, Ahmed Maher Pasha, the Finance ! Minister, is under a cloud owing to the accusations which have led him to start a libel action against Nahas Pasha, and the War Minister, Hussein Sirry Pasha,! though a relation by marriage and friend of King Farouk,| is very unpopular. The Egyptian Ambassador, however, I j told me on August 12th that Ali Maher Pasha would need ! lotion (Index.) i Ipleted.) strong pressure from the King, as he had been much upset by the way in which his position in the Palace had been undermined when he came here for the Palestine Arab ' Next Paper. I Conference, and that he would rather for the present ; ] 15741 9/37 *.o.p. continue / i 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 Ret* Fo 3T1/Z3306. ?f)S07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet -. 7- *r* • ' • ', --•-. • • • • ' 0 continue to be chef de cabinet to the King. Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha, despite his extreme sensitiveness and recent ill health, has on the whole played up extremely well, notably during the crisis last September and in the matter of the Alexandria dock in regard to which one of his last acts has been to produce a full scheme in answer to a Parliamentary Question. I think, therefore, that a personal message would be well deserved, although one was sent to him on July llth (see J 2616)J cl^H P~^ 14th August 1959. rs • * 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 1 2 ' Rof, To 3rf/Z33€>6. ^5^07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet From BffflPT. Becypher, Mr. Sterndale Bennett. (Alexandria). 13th' August, 1959. 2.29 p.m. 12th August, 1959. 2.25 p.m. 13th August, 1939. '•:->f 1 0:0:0:0:0:0 L14 A: Ali laher inf oraed laily Telegraph correspondent this morning that lahJioud was tendering Ms resignation to the King this afternoon, Ali Maher said that selection of new Prime Minister might be a matter of some days during which the King would make consultations. (It seems however that His Majesty has already made some consultations). He added that the matter was complicated by expectation of early arrival of the ling of Romania in his yacht. 2. Ali Maher is at present favourite for succession to Mahmoud. 5. It seems that Mahmoud's decision has been more or less suggested to him by the King in view of difficulty of any effective Government with the Prime Minister. > *Sy #S^' cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I *ef.: Fb 311/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 10 IGI (J 8150/1/16). 0©de telegram to Mr. lateman (Alexandria). ForeifR Office. 16th August 1959. 4.45 p.m. I®. §10. (I). ttttttHttttttfttttttttttttttttttttttf ftttltttft T©ur telegram I©. 451 [of August 12th: resignation of lohamed lahmout Pasha]. You may at your disoreti©n inf®rm Prime Minister that I have learnt with much regret that continuing ill health has compelled him t© resign his office. His Excellency*s c©llaboratioa in all matters of common interest has been very gratifying throughout the anxious period in which he has been Prime Minister and has strengthened the impression which he made personally upon the members of His Majesty's Sovernment who were in contact with him during his visit to London last year. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins **• To 3TI/Z33Q6. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet •Oo&e telegram to Mr. B&touui, (Alexandria), Foreign Office, 23nd August, 1989, p.m. Ho. §26. (1). . My telegram lo* 519 [of August 16th: resignation of Mohamet Mshmoml Pasha]. Following from Sir Miles l&itpsom Please inform Hohaaed Mahmood Pashm of .ay deep personal regret at learning that continuing ill health has compelled him 'to resigB his office and that I shall always loofc back with pleasure1 on oiar fruitful personal collalaoratioa. I shall also be glad if you will convey to Ali laher Pasha a private and personal message from myself that I look forwaM with pleasure to residing the cordial personal relations and close cooperation which existed "between us diiriag his last term of office as Prime Minister. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins T **• To 3?1/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 138 CjM* August, 1939. Dear 17 AUG 1939 I enclose a copy of a letter which my Secretary of State has sent to Sir Alexander Hardinge on the subject raised in Lord Halifax's letter to Mr. Hore-Belisha of 8th July - the appointment of King Farouk to the Oolonelcy-in-Chief of a British regiment. Mr. Hore-Belisha has assumed that if His Majesty approves of the appointment of King Farouk as Golonel-in-Chief, The Lancashire Fusiliers, there will be no necessity to enquire from the King of Egypt whether the unit selected will be one acceptable to him. Yours sincerely, W.I. Mallet, Esq.. (Index.) A fxt Paper. '5741 9/37 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ]*** Fo 371/2.3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet ^^^ ;:«? •-'--'a"a" ~ """ ^"=v ••" i^r^ - Jii K§ A ( ••*H 'j '- ' ; 1 r : - : f* :. '':i In •tO:Kl9g. j* ij>p« » iilttf.m .ifleif..tf, tt» ing laid 'befopo Ti a;: ror lilt pl«*a0ur0f if desti-al>|,« to -. soiifi4««tial fa tlit ,Hf a 9»it l^f«^.i«i 1 to iw tii®t..^» *e will M •fmitliispt It is,net of tint ®f . ** It lai fti* It* urn*- Sir (Index.) .) V /A Paper. IS74I 9/37 *.O.P. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I ***.- To 311/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet vogfcaoat vbioh fwa doao ooAaidor*blo oorvioo in campaigns to Igypt, a» voftootod to Uwiip totttlo turnout*, *tfco vphtox, ftttporooribod 'Igypt*'* ^<» *&« eSH^paigm of 1.801, wBiai»t«i^itw awl thoMi for tfet* CHf«at »atr» Ti«* MSami* mad "lgy.pt 1919*17*. Tht ItglHMHit would %« fe0aou3P®4 to ree©lv» Mag yiiroult »» tludr Ool0a«i«i'ii-Gtii«if, «ad I would. •olNait for Il» iaj®stf *« appr®v«l ttet euefe am appointment would conaideratoly eiicourage and, c^ent • tli« go®4 fe«lin^ of eo®«* (Index.) jxt Paper. «S74i 9/37 cms •j 2 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I T 2 *.- To 3T1/Z3306. 85807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet t&* noftion, of tHi» 4i»tiaetioa to ling ®f Igypf. VontlA Il» &jtstjr e«Hniiieiit« LESLIE HORE-BELISHA xt Paper. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 1 2 **. To 3H/Z3306. 85^07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet LAL ,-r \) FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.I, • 10th August, 1939. Dear Thank yow for your letter of the 8th August atootit the Colonelcy of th© Lancashire Fusiliers for King Farouk. ' • ••••• ' • ';":- ••"• :- "•- -• As regards the lest paragraph of your letter, we think that the best procedure to follow would be to ask King Farouk if he will eooept the Golonelcy-in-- Chief of the Lancashire Fusilier* Sttd not to ask whether this particular un.it is acceptable to him. You will no ^outit let \is know in dye course what Harding®1 s reply ia to..the lest paragraph of Mr. Hore-Bellaha's letter of th© 8th August. 8.L. Edwards, Esq. (Index.) V A bxt Paper. "5741 9/37 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I \*ef, To 311/2J306. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet ::t • '• 143i AUG EGYPT and SUDAN Political^situation in Egypt» Kegistry \ Refers to Cairo telegram No«451 of 12th August jNumber / J 3S28/1/16 (J 3150/1/16) Reports efforts t>y Ali Maher Pasha, at TELEGRAM FROM Mr«. King 3?arouk*s behest, to form a Governnient« He is ^:'Bateman,. Cairp» ignoring Wafd tut is said to have approached Saadists and Liberals, who "both objected t o his proposals* l*o. 454 Saadists are said to be weakening* Shoul|f Liberals Decode and Decyphe continue obstruction, Ali Maher Pasha is credited with Owed. 17th August, intention to form a Ministry of hie own* He may eived \18th August, postpone reassembly of Parliament until Deceai) er* jjn: Registry J 1939* Country as a whole remains apathetic* Has avoided politics so as to avert unnecessary criticism* r:Bgypt and Sudan* Last P&per. (Minutes.} References. (Print.) (How disposed of.) iction (Index.) (leted.) Next Paper. 15741 9/37 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I Ret, To 3TI/Z3306. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet From: EGYPT. Decode and Decypher. Mr. Bateman (Cairo) 17th August, 1959. D. 9.40 p.m. 17th August, 1959. R. 9.50 a.m. 18th August, 1959. AUG No, 454. ().() O O R. begins. s« A * f"*°- REGISTRY, My telegram No. 451. Following upon the resignation of Mohammed Mahmoud on 12th August Ali Maher has been endeavouring at the King's behest to form a Government during the past five days. 2. He is completely ignoring the Wafd but is said to have approached Saadists and liberals on the following lines:- (a) Cabinet to be increased to fifteen seats of which four of each should be occupied by the two parties, (b) His nominees to occupy the principal posts leaving the secondary ones within the above limits for the party leaders. R. ends. 5. Both parties have objected to these proposals but the Saadists are said to be weakening. Should the liberals continue obstruction Ali Maher is credited with intention to form a ministry of his own with [? tentative] hope of securing Parliamentary support by November. He may postpone the reassembly of parliament (in accordance with the constitution) until December. Country as a whole remains apathetic but Wafd press is doing its best to exacerbate the situation and is already accusing Ali Maher of subservience to Great Britain. . 4. It is clear that Ali Maher intends to dominate the Cabinet and later to impose his Trill on ^arliament. 5. Apart from seeing members of outgoing Cabinet immediately after the resignation of Mohammed Mahmoud I have avoided politics so as to avert unnecessary criticism. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 Re)'..- To 3"?1/Z33o6. ?i>^O7 Pieasse note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your JSe of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet -— — — -— «— «-«^ j \tf j j' MOST SBGSE!" ~ " "BRITISH EMBASSY, \ 1 T ' f' "1 i ll ^ ti j3^)lj^J ^ -r •, ! ALEXANDRIA. 1 289/50/39. '"^ "3 [LOth August, 1939. I J£;%$lit3ii$ . j ! rB My dear Bill, i With r< snce to my letter of 27th July, 1 we have recei a report from secret sources to the effect th< l ipart from his fortune in Italy, I King Farouk h* "om £200,000 to £300,000 invested in Holland, S^i 1 srland and Prance. The source 1 of this inforr m is Verrucci. j R Another irce states that King Farouk 1 i i •I, has money in £ m, Switzerland and Prance, "but f 1 1 l the source in stion did not know what the sum ' amounted to. '' Yours ever, ; 1 -^^0 i V. Cavendish-Bentinck, Esqsq. , , Foreign Office, 1! S. W. 1. i j i II ' i 1 1 1 i i ' ' L I i i 1 (Index.) J 1 Paper. I 1 I574I 9/37 F.O.P. i i __^ L, 11 i. it cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins Ref.: Fo 3T1/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet jO»*K**iMtv (Jj AUG 195; ROYAL EGYPTIAN EMBASSY 75, South fadley Street, W.I. LONDON 19th August, 1959. Sir, 1 have the honour to Inform you that owing to the resignation of His Excellency Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha, a new cabinet has been formed in Egypt yesterday under the Presidency of His Excellency Aly Maher Pasha and is constituted as follows:- H«E. Aly Maher Pasha, President, Minister of Foreign Affairs and of the Interior. H.E. Allouba Pasha, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs. H.E. Nocrashi Pasha, Minister for Public Education. H.E. Ghaleb Pasha, Minister for•Communications. H.E. Sirry Pasha, Minister for Finance H.E. Dr. Hamed Mahmoud, Minister for Public Health. H.E. Habachy Bey, Minister, for Commerce and Industry. H.E.Azzam Bey, Minister for Wakfs. H.S. Ibrahim Abdel Hadi, Minister of State for Paiianientary Affairs. H.E. Moustapha Shourbagi, Minister for Justice. H.E. Shazli Pasha, Minister for Social Services. H.E, Abdel Kawi Bey, Minister for Public Works H.E. Saleh Harb Pasha, Minister for National Defence. H.E. Tawfik Hifnawi Bey, Minister for Agriculture. I have the honour to be, Sir, With highest consideration, Your most obedient Servant, Charge d'Affaires, a.i. The Rt. lion. The Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, etc., etc., etc. : : i '. ' i : •! l! •'!•!'• '•• JIM I'll: 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 1 I 2 **/..- To 3T1/Z3306. $5^07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Minutes. *DAILY TELEGRAPH' 19th August 1959 NEW ALY MAKER PASHA AS PREMIER GENERAL POLICY UNCHANGED FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT CAIRO, Friday. King Farouk of Egypt to-night f or- •• mally approved' the new Government :of Aly Matter Pasha, Chief of the Royal Cabinet, who.was asked to form a Ministry after the resignation on Saturday of Mohamed Mahmud Pasha. Aly Maher Pasha combines with the Premiership the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and* the Interior. The /other members of the Cabinet are as 'follow, the first' six being Indepen- dents and the rest Saadists—Extreme j Nationalists. I FINANCE : Hussein Sirry Pasha; I AGRICULTURE: Hefnawi Bey; ; DEFENCE: Saleb Harb Pasha; PUBLIC WORKS : Abdel Kawi Ahmed Bey; : JUSTICE : Mustapha Chorbagi Bey; i WAKPS, or Religious Organisations: Azzam Bey;. EDUCATION: M'ahmud Fahmy N«k- rashi Pasha; COMMUNICATIONS : Mahmud Ghaleb Pasha; PUBLIC HEALTH: Hamed Mahmud Pasha; and, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY: Saba Habashi Pasha. Mohamed Ali Allouba Pasha and Maitre Ibrahim Abdel Hadi are Ministers without Portfolio. ALLIANCE NOT AFFECTED The Liberals have found it impossible to enter the new Ministry, but they will collaborate in the same manner as,the Saadists in the early days of Mohamed Mahrnud's Cabinet. Aly Maher informed me to-night that the change of Cabinet did not mean any alteration of the Government's general policy. Egypt, he added, would continue faithfully to observe the terms of the Anglo-Egyptian Alliance, concentrate on defence and maintain good relations with foreign Powers. 17" cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins T I***.- To 3TI/Z33Q6. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Froa Decode Mr. Bateman. (Alexandria). 19th August, 19S9. 2. 60 p.m. 19th August, 1959. E. 5,00 p.a. 19th August, 1959. Ho.455, (I) Hy telegram Io.454. \ flV^< I Royal decree constituting new Ministry was signed on August 13th. Liberals having maintained their refusal to participate, Cabinet consists of five Saadists and nine Independents. Ali Ifaher has personally taken over Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior in addition to Presidency of the Council. He has announced a policy of economy in administration and development of country's resources. A new Ministry of Social Services will undertake improvement of condition of working classes. Further details by saving telegram. •\ 2 cms \Ref, TO 3TI 72.33 06. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet '! AUG 193; •so Becypher. ifr. Bateiaan (Alexandria}. August 20th 1950. B* 8»5o p.m. August 20th 1959. I. 9. SO *,a. •August gist 1919. SEdET. telegrap No»4£4* At my first interview this morning Prime Minister promised most sincere co-operation with Embassy and asked me to iseep in closest direct touch with him especially on defence questions. He undertook to give rapid answers in regard to urgent matters mentioned in my saving telegram Ho. 227. ' ?.^ ii/xi> /;' w 2. frirne Minister told jie:V in strictesI / t confidence that he would have to find two and a half million pounds to balance budget and that Council of Ministers had decided late last night to begin economies by retiring on pension, four Under-Secretaries so as to tvoid additional cost of new Ministry of Social Affairs through which he was determined to improve the lot of the Fellaheen. 5. I expressed pained surprise on learning (a) that Imin Osman was placed on retired list and (b) that Aziz el lisri was to be appointed Inspector G-eneral of army. As regards (a) I spsuect the Palace to whom lain Osaan is anathema because he is still persona grata with fafd. I said the news would be as unwelcome to you as it was to me and that I failed to see the wisdom of dispensing with the services of such a hard-working and knowledgeable ^ ESJl 1A PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE " MB who had done so much to implement the treaty. Bat I oould lot MOW the Prime Minister, As regards (te) I said that appointment appeared to me to "be unwise owing to the new jLaewb©nt*s admiration of (reman military methods. Prime Minister promises that if Aziz el Misri otnsed difficulties with jailitary mission or British forces he wtmlfi toe aadted* 4. Prime Minister ohTiously means to ptirge the a<3Mimistration and to apply the new fcrooa vigorously in what looks like a genuine effort for the eomtry*s good. I anticipate hard bargaining over financing of Egyptian re-anaanent. I 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 *•* To 3T1/Z3306. %Si07 | Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet and 22 AUG Registry "} Number jfr 3278/1/16 Political situation in Bgypti attitude of Kii TELEGRAM FROM Hefers to Cairo telegram No*212 (S) of |;,«^|MHMMMMMMMMMOTMM«B*MMM|PMMMHB«MMMMMaMBfeiF«Batemant CairoW * July 26th (J 2948/1/16). At an audience on August 20th King Farouk No. 458 expressed hie gratitude for despatch of troops frojp deoypher* India and hoped that they will not be the last Dated British reinforcements for Egypt* He also stated to^20t^Uf , that "both he and Ali Maher Pasha intend to work in Registry f 22^d August , J wholeheartedly with Embassy for good of country and 1939. that Government would stand no nonsense from Parliament* J : Egypt and Sudan. Last Paper. (Minutes.) T" References. \ (Print.) (How disposed of.) 7.C,^^fco»cv, * ^vt,, .**T- v, ' V-l»x^».«^^^ *~<\* (Action (Index.) Ifempleted.) \^V> S^ ^^^^ ^ ;x> ^v> ^ r^-^^^ >Vi«^^! Next Paper. '5741 9/37 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I **• To 311/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 11 21 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE To 311/Z3306: Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet lit; iii ^ 22 AU6 195 ii Becypher Mr. Bateman. (Alexandria). SOth August, 19S9. D. 8.55 p.m. SOth August, 1959, I. 9.30 a.m. 21st August, 19S9*, •,-, 'W IQ.45S. * A. Sir M. Lampson's telegram Ho.212 Saving, Ecx BEQJ'STRY The ling sent for ae today and opened conversation by reiterstMg; his gratitude for prompt despatch of troops from India. These have now arrived but His Majesty asked me to make a special*point of expressing to you his hope that they will not b@ the last of British reinforcements for Egypt. His Majesty clearly regards European situation with growing concern and will welcome as many more British troops as can be spared. Is there anything I can tell him on this subject? H 2. The King then said that All ifaher intended to work whole- heartedly with us and to put life and energy into administration. This meant inter alia a rigorous application of the economy axe and elimination of the "passenger". Stories would no doubt be current of institution of a dlctatorshop in Egypt but His Majesty begged me not to believe them. Both he and Prime Minister merely meant to get things done which were for the obvious good of the country. Times were too serious for filibustering and obstruction to which Egyptian Government were so prone. Infusion of a little authority was vitally necessary and would do no harm. Much would be accomplished Ttefore Parliament reassembled and His Majesty asked me to give Ali Maher all possible support. In answer to several questions put by me, the King said that Parliament would be given ample opportunity for useful discussion but that Government would 41 '% stand no nonsense. Conversation was very frank throughout. JiU T t. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 Ref, Fo 3TI/Z3306. 85*37 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet rr Political situation in Egypt. f Registry \ Number Jj 3300/1/16. Comments on situation in Egyot in particular FROM Mr. Sterndale ) Quota Bill, (2) Bill about"Egyptian Airways, Bennett (Cairo to X3j Aswan Dam project, (4) Suez-Cairo tdpe line, (5) case of Kaimakam Morris, (6) Alexandria Harbour,(7) (extract) storage of petrol and Royal Air Force requirements, (8) berthing of troopships at Port Said and (9) Dr. Dated Hth August 1939. Sandiford. Received in Registry J&2nd Aug:1939, J : Egypt and Sudan. Last Paper. Eererenoes. (How disposed of.) (Action mpletedJ Next Paper. PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE I Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your oHt may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and use i Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Copy. AUG I953 Extract from letter from Hr.Sterndale Bennett.1.,Alexandria. dated^llth August, 1959, to Sir Miles Lampson. I would not have you think that I have spent ray whole time fighting the Prime Minister. He is naturally irritable these days. In fact one of his own staff recently said that if irritability was a sign of ill-health he must "be a very sick man indeed. But on other subjects, beside these two unfortunate ones, he has been q.uite affable* He is now, according to .present arrangements, going off to Mersa Matruh for an indefinite period and hopes while there to have a complete rest. He will^deal with no business unless something really urgent or serious arises. It cannot be said that the situation is satisfactory. There are too many broken promises lying about* Heither the Quota Bill nor the Bill about Egyptian Airways has gone through Parliament. The Egyptian Government appear to be playing fast and loose over the Aswan project, and I ffl had to send in a stiffish letter on this subject. Meanwhile nothing more has happened about the Suea - Cairo pipe line. The case of Kairaakam Morris is still unsettled in spite of the Prime Minister's assurance to you that he would be either kept omf or at least paid, until the end of his existing constract. As regards Alexandria Harbour, it is a good step forward to have had the policy of the Government announced, but in detail the policy is, prima facie at least, not quite what we had been led to expect. For instance, it looks as though there is no intention of starting on the Dry Dock until the 6th year of a 20-year programme. On/ 1. 9/37 f cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I *ef... To 3T1/Z33Q6. 35807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Ml!' On the other hand, progress has "been made on one or two matters. At my interview on July 29th, the P.M. told me that the Egyptian Government agree in principle to granting the necessary land and way-leaves for the scheme for the bulk storage of petrol for British Army and R.A.P. requirements and this has since "been confirmed by letter. He told me too that he had given instructions, which appear to be quite satisfactory, about the berthing of troopships at Port Said. As I have already said, we are now fully authorised to discuss defence questions with Hussein Sirry Pasha, and I am hopeful, therefore, of getting a move on with such questions as the R.A.F. Stations in the Canal Zone. Lastly, there seems to be some hope that the case of Dr- Sandiford may be satisfactorily settled. The P.M. told me that he would probably be kept on for another year, and the Minister of Public Health ha•» s forwarded to the Foreign Officials Committee a recommendation for the renewal of Dr. Sandiford's contract for this period. Dr. Hamed Mahmoud recently told Smart that he thought that the recommendation would be approved. The machine works very creakily, but these things at all events are all to the good. V "• •i/4' y/jy I cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins f To 311/13306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet ;--3 ; In accordance with the sfcbached minutes, I spoke to ^ir Miles Larapson this morning about the AUG projected visit of King Parouk. Sir Miles fully confirmed what I understood he had told the Secretary of State on August 19th, that he is/fc^* convinced that an invitation to King Farouk is now highly advisable. First, King Farouk1s attitude towards the Ambassador has been definite- ly much better of recent months and, secondly, it is fairly certain that he has been avoiding any visits to other Heads of State which, in themselves, appeal to him, because he feels that his first visit should be to his ally. Thirdly, King Farouk is subject to much insidious pressure and the sooner he is nailed down (even without a date being definitely fixed) the better. * Sir Miles Lampson mentioned that King Farouk ' has always been obviously greatly impressed by lj any mark of personal interest from The King and suggests, therefore, that the invitation would touch him still more if it could be conveyed in the form of an autograph letter to be handed to / him by Mr. Bateman. I submit dr^ft letter. ii gist August 1959. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 1 1 2 ** To 3T1/Z3306. 85807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet SECRETARY OF STATE. As regards possible State visits t© this country "by the King of Egypt, the President ©f Portugal and the King ©f Greece, I spoke recently to Sir Alexander Hardinge in the sense of your minute on 3.2796 (herewith). I enquired of him this afternoon how the matter had progressed. He replied that he had submitted the matter to The King, who, he understood, intended to have a word with you when you see H.I. on Monday. Sir Alexander added that he thought that The King still rather hankered after a visit from the King ©f Greece. In any case he felt that it would only "he possible to have the first of these visits in the spring of next year and the second in the autumn. I expressed slight consternation and wondered whether it would not be possible t© have the first visit beford Christmas, the second in the spring and the third in the autumn ©f next year. Sir Alexander remarked that The King's list was already full up from the return after the loyal Visit to Belgium until Armistice Day, and that thereafter f' there might be a General EJastion; moreover the weather in mid-winter would also be a difficulty. I submit this minute so that you shall be forewarned before your audience. In my opinion, the visit of the King of Egypt is most desirable with the object of keeping him on the right lines, and if this were postponed for another eight months it would be unfortunate, and if the Portuguese visit only took place yet eight months after that, it might appear discouraging to the would-be guests. But no doubt you will form your own decision in the light ©f what The King says. 38th 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 1 2 f ' *** To 311/233 06. ( 85807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 167 Sir L« Oliphantg I spoke to The King this morning about the projected State Visits. He was quite ready to accept the order of priority suggested "by the Foreign Office, i.e. (1) Egypt, (2) Portugal, (3) Greece. He also saw the desirability,:if it could toe managed, of working off one of them before Christmas. The possibility of doing this must, however, depend to some extent upon the decision about a general election, and The King said that he would be.glad if I would discuss it with sir Miles Lampson on his return. He also himself hoped to see Sir Miles Lampson while on leave. f I told His Majesty that I recognised the difficulty about the election and that this created another difficulty, ji , i.e. that if the decision as to the election was not, as Hi ; : presumably it would not be, taken until the end of September 1i' or early October, that would make it pretty difficult to convey jI .'• an invitation to King Parouk to take effect before Ghri&tmas. '1;1 I accordingly asked The King whether he would be prepared to' ':< 1 consider conveying an invitation to King parouk as soon as there had been an opportunity of speaking to sir Miles Lampson, ; h i [ on the kind of line that the King greatly looked forward to h, : the possibility of a State Visit of King Farouk, that he !;i i• ' hoped this might be possible before Christmas, but that it ;:; was difficult immediately to fix any precise date. The King i was quite prepared to leave it like this, and was quite well j_ .: * I disposed to a date being found at the end of November or early ! I December, by which time presumably the general election, even j ill if decided upon in the autumn, would be completed. ! is Slst July, 19S9, '5741 9/37 sii / 2,3306. ied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your "iTnS^ns. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet (J 3325/16). To* ao July t&* of t of AMI osf this yiuit® heiv» (Il««Hia«e<5 tMs letter- witfe ttte opiaiaa whi«lx tie to us aa the » to first visit Sil? J ; Isxt Paper. 1 2 1 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE | ins I 1| I 2 \**f..- Fo 3TI/Z3306. ?5*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed 'Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet or cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 23rd 19S9, Wy d«a*» you very lauoh for your letter of the 19tli about the invitation you hair© received to Join @a Anglo-Egyptl&a Union. . There has been, considerable confusion on this subject and I cannot do better than.explain briefly the background. .For a long time en Egyptian called Yehia was very busy trying to enlist support for sever®! projects &f this, kin&. and in perticular en Anglo-Egyptian Parliamentary Union for which he h@d. enlisted 'the support of Thomas Moore. .1® developed a hebit of writing to important people quoting them to ©eeh other as supporting hi» and in particular taking i?qr own narae in vein and claiming Foreign Office approval, which had in fact always been withheld flPom him. Eventually, as I understand the matter, he was thrown over by floor© and a .... Right Honourable the T/iseo«at Heilshea. (Index.) >zt Paper. li IS74I 9/37 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins T ***.- Fb 311/2J3Q6. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet a joint" meeting was.held of the old Egyptian Parliamen- tary Coiaifllttee, of which Wardlsw-Milne has always .been ohaffraan, and of Moor© end Ms supporters. ftoe object of;•••the -labile*.''ftsi, beei*..:to'.develop -.a .committee on more .sooial. liars''than the 'old one and,also on .& non-psrty •baa'i^/and'finally to invite a^absrs of" the.;Hotj;$e' of l^ords to join in. ffae meeting, I'am told, finally agreed to form a sub-committee and. an executive committee and to co-opt meters of the House of Lord®. It wes also decided to l»av@ a separate Anglo-Egyptian •aasooiation for social activities outside Psrilsasentf [•. '••-•.':.....This hapSMsne- d in J"aly» sad 1 'have act heard of any |I :j: |i. fyrthsr deTelops^ntt. I would syg|r@8t that before teklng any steps you should consult Wardlaw-Milnet who still reiaains chsinnan of the old Parliamentary C . Yours ever. (Index.) i.) J\ ext Paper. VSfc-v- 'S74i 9/37 ?.O.P. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I Kef.-. Fb 3Tt/Z33o6. 85807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 176 SLOANE 1543. 112, EATON SQUARE, 4--C- \_s.w.i. 23rd August, 19S9. The Hon. Sir Alexander Cadogan, K.C.M.G., G.B., C.I.G., The Foreign Office, Whitehall, S. W. 1. •'>G AUG My dear Cadogan; Gould one of your secretaries just let me have a line about Mr. Yehia who is trying to get up an Anglo-Egyptian Parliamentary League to promote good-will between this country and Egypt." The objects of the League seem to me in every way estimable, and I have joined the League and expressed a willingness to sign, with other Parliamentarians, a letter to heads of different Parties in Egypt; at the same time I should be glad to know whether the move- ment is regarded favourably by the Foreign Office and whether you know anything about Mr. Yehia himself. Yours sincerely, * t*-*'*^1—N (Imiex.) .per. 17652 8/38 F.O.P. f 11 2\ cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE iris I •) RQf, Fb 3TI/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed 'Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Augtta^t .1989. for your loiter 'of tiwt A Tehia ia a ¥©j»y pemea wim feas past b««a- teyliig faster f«sj«ets ©f Ms esrn toj writing to iaportaat to Ife Is fotsi of of Office as Ma Moor®*- a»» tfee & MMlUl^f Of »1 til til® did 1 of wiiiefa Sir Jo&t >,- Is «ad 1 «2ii.«i*j»t«st that ss «f «omtt«« and a 4««l«|oii to *«* cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I Ref.: fO 371/Z3306. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet f PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE rnditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet P.O, Minute Becords a conversation with Mrs. g^tgood on the 12th (Mr. Kelly) August, regarding the presence inside me Palace of an Italian girl who, it is Mieved, is a political agent. Dated: 14th August 1939 Last Paper. [References. (How disposed of.) Next Paper. 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins Ref, To 371/Z3306. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 180 >i I ^;>r Mrs. Iftil'Buua, who was included in the recent Honours List for Egypt and who is an unimpeachable witness, told me the following on August 12th. Khairy Pasha, son-in-law of the Sultana Melik,/widow of King Euss&in of Egypt^who is in London seeing his son at Eton, told her the other day that Queen Farida is very distressed about the presence inside the Palace itself of an Italian girl of twenty-three. The Queen has told the Sultana Melik (and Khairy Pasha says this is the opinion of other members of the Royal Family) that the Italian in question is, without doubt, a political agent, although King Farouk is doubtless unaware of the fact. Queen Farida appears to have said that the introduc- tion was made by the notorious Verucci, the Palace architect; I fear this is more than probable, as Veracci was always reputed to render similar services to the late King Fuad. Khairy Pasha further said that if the Italian in question were to have a son, there would be no serious obstacle to King Farouk making this son his heir if Queen Farida did not have a son. 14th August 1939. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 i 2 Rel'••• Fb 3"?1/2.330o. 85807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed 'Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet EGYPT and SUDAN Formation of a new Cabinet in Egypt. Refers to Foreign Office telegram No. 535 of 24th TELEGRAM FROM August (J 3297/1/16). Mr. Baemani Cairo > Gives brief report on members of new Cabinet, who are not in personalities report, in particular Minister No. 236 (Saving) of Defence. Dated 26th Aug. 1939 Received \gg-fch Aug. 1939 ^n Registry j " J: Egypt and Sudan, cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE 311/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet <"7//x^i -TXC-C^ GuV 2| cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE Ref.', To 311/2.3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and use. iof it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 29 AUG I939 NO. DISTRIBUTION Telegram (en clair) from Mr. C.H. Bateman (Alexandria) 26th August, 1939, D. 26th August, 1939. R. 29th August, 1939. No. 236 (Saving) WWW Your telegram No. 535. " . Lewa Ilohamed Saleh Harb Pasha, Minister of Defence, Graduated Military Academy Cairo and commissioned Egyptian army. fas in coastguard service at Sollum on outbreak of war and went over to Sennussi with whom he remained until permitted to return after war. This incident in his career was never satisfactorily explained: but it is understood Saleh Harb claims that he had to surrender through lack of support from Mersa i/Jatruh. After return to Egypt he was elected Deputy in Zaghloul's Parliament 1926 and was later appointed Sub-Director Prisons Administration, Appointed Director Coastguards February 1939. Admiral wells says that he proved himself competent, reliable and easy to work with in latter post. Speaks fair English and I under- stand that he- was- chosen specially by Ali Maher for his 1 knowledge of Western Desert conditions. In actual practice Ali Maher is consulting Abdel .^ahman Azzam on military subjects in addition to Saleh Harb who seems ready enough to fall in with our views. Abdul/ o, -^ :or / "&,^ f , - ' ,,* F,O. RE'v cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I***.- To 3TI/Z33Q6. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Abdul„.Kawi.^Ahmad___Beyj,_Minislei\ of. Public Works. Graduated in the Faculty of Engineering and made rapid career in Irrigation Department. Proved himself a competent and conscientious official. Appointed Inspector General Egyptian Irrigation Sudan 1956 where he worked well with Sudan Government. In the past has "been inderitified with liberal Constitutionals. Speaks good English, TaufICLJ|ajimoud_te 1 Hefna.wii_ Bey Minister Agriculture. Graduated in the Faculty of Agriculture and specialises in scientific research and agricultural questions. Did well on Hiss ion at Cambridge. Since 1958 has "been Dean of Faculty Agriculture. Speaks Dnglislu Mi^aj^^elJ.:^ Graduated School of La.w and was for many years the Faculty's lawyer, Elected Deputy tfatanist Party 1931; 1935 appointed Counsellor Court of Appeal. Is reputed to be a competent lawyer and has a pleasing personality. Talks French but no English, Ibrahim-Abdul Hadi Minister without Portfolio. Prominent member Saadist Party and a forceful speaker in Chamber. In student days was a turbulent leader and iii 1920 received sentence of penal servitude. Released 1924 since when he has practised at the bar. Will be responsible for defence of Ministry's policy in Chamber of Deputies. See also my despatch Mo. 1066 of 25th August, i PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ms I * To 3TI/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet D: I nave never doubted that the sincere ORAL MESSAGE PROM THE SECRETARY OP friendship of our two countries and our common STATE FOR THE interest in resisting aggression would stand EGYPTIAN PRIME MINISTER TO BE whatever test might be imposed. I would, however, CONVEYED BY take thi s opportunity to a ssure Your Excellency SIR 1. LAMP30N. how much I have valued the prompt, willing and courageous cooperation of the Royal Egyptian Government in the fulfilment of our common obligations. I beg Your Excellency to accept ray j| solemn assurance that the Government and people of Egypt can rely absolutely on the unshakeable determination of the whole. British people to £defend) Egypt with all the forces at their command cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE *** To 3TI/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 1 EGYPT and SUDAN Proposed offer to Kinp Farouk of appointment as Registry 1 Number ft 3486/1/16 FROMM.r,G«W«Roseway. letter to Mr.Edwards of August 10th (j 3215/1/16) (War Office)io Transmits copy of letter of August Hth from Mr.Mallet. Sir Alexander Hardinge stating that His Majesty No The King approves the offer of a Colonelcy in Chief of a British regiment to the King of Egypt. The matter Dated 31 st Aug:;l939 is "being held up pending discussion "between His Received lgnd Set)t: ajesty The King and Sir M. Lampson and nothing in Registry J ^939"" rther has been heard from the palace. J.Egypt and Sudan. Last Paper. (Minutes.) References. V I (Print.) ,feu A. ") (How disposed of.) Co /\Aju-~/^s VjL C>_^X-p 7 The King of Egypt has "been "behaving well and when the Egyptian Government have definitely declared that a tvyr,V •ibl (Action state of war exists between tHam and Germany I think completed.) that it would "be fitting to underline the alliance between our respective forces by offering the King of Egypt the coloneley-in-chief of a British regiment. Next Paper. The Lancashire Fusiliers are a very good line regiment 15741 9/37 y.o.p. of / cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE insI Ret.-. To 311/Z3306. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet of which the King of Egypt can well "be proud. /' Query. Reply to Mr. Roeeway suggesting that the colonelcy be offered now. 8th September 1959. 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I *,*.. To 371/Z3306. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 1 2 **• Fo 3TI/Z3306. J5S07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet dKJ 51 August, 1939. I ?' QL'p sq-'O i Dear Mallet, V_,^£lJ±^ With reference to your letter to Edwards of the 10th August,, I am afraid that ov^ing to an oversight we have not sent you a copy of Eardinge's reply to my Secretary of State's letter of the 8th August. I do so now and from the letter you will see that the whole matter is held up until The King has had an opportunity of discussin "it with Sir Miles Lampson. We have not yet heard anything further from the Palace. Yours sincerely, W.I. Mallet, Esq.. h x win, or course, let you laiow what decision is reached as regards procedure as soon as I am in a position to do so. Yrs. v. sincerely, (Sgd.) Alexaiider Ear dinge. 3 Right l-lonble. The Secretary of State for War, War Office, 8.W.I. *!!! M cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE \Ref..- To 3T1/Z33Q6. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet COPY. BALMORAL CASTLE. llth. August, 1939. My dear Eore-Belisha, I have laid before The King your letter on the subject of the offer of a Colonelcy-in~Chief of a British regiment to the King of Egypt. His Majesty quite approves of this proposal arid is glad to think that such a good regiment as the Lancashire Fusiliers ¥\?ould welcome the King as their Colonel-in-Chief. With regard to the procedure, His Majesty thinks that the offer shoxzld come from him direct, but the moment for His Majesty to take action is somewhat closely connected with a possible invitation to the King of Egypt to pay a State Visit to this country, which is at the moment under ;. serious consideration. It Is just possible that such a visit might materialize in November or December, in which case it might be preferable to confer this honour when he comes. If, on the other hand, the visit does not take place until next Spring, it might be- preferable for the Colonelcy~in~Chief to be offered without further delay. Lampson is, I believe, on his way home on leave, and The King wishes nothing more to be done until he has had an opportunity of discussing both matters with him. I will, of course, let you know what decision is reached as regards procedure as soon as I am in a position ill to do so. Yrs. v. sincerely, (Sgd.) Alexander Hardinge. The Right Honble. The Secretary of State for War, War Office, S.W.I. cms •j 2 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I **/., To 3"?1/Z33o6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet :,h (J. 5486 A/16). MO DISfRIBIIflOI. Cypher telegram to Sir I. Lampson (Alexandria). Foreign office, September llth 1959.' 6.15 p.ia. 10.659. Following from Sir L. Oliphant;- I understand from our coivrersation after your audieaoe of the ling here that Colonelcy was to be given to King Fazwtk imriag state ¥isit to this country. I presume yomr Tiews remain the same so long as Egyptian ©overmaent contiame present compromise attitad^. If howerer they declare state of war womld you recommend imediate offer of Colonelcy. afi; 1 ill cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE M Fo 311/2.3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet it Political situation in Egypt; attitude of King Farouk Registry ~\ . . Number J3" 3504/1/16 At an audience on 1st September King Farouk once again snowed a very satisfactory disposition. TELEGRAM FROM Sir Jflilea Lampson. He enquired as to the attitude His Majesty's Government would adopt as a result! of Germany's No. agre^sipn against Poland, and expressed the wiSh 507 that Italy snould be made to enter the conflict D«*«*lst Sept.1939 at an early date. Received \ King Farouk also enquired as to the results in Registry J$ & Sept. 1939 of his representations for more British troops in r Egypt. (Repe ated Khartoum Wo. 19 Saving and to Bagdad J: Egypt and Sudan iNo. 20). Last Paper. (Minutes.) References. King Farouk1 s attitude seems highly satisfactory ;: so far. It is perhaps just as well that both His Majesty and his subjects should be afraid of Italy. As regards the request for further troops, the present (Print.) position is that General Wavell has authority to bring : i k&Lfurther brigade from Palestine, mentioned in paras.6 .3; and 7 of this telegram, whenever he thinks fit. It can (How disposed of.) arrive in Egypt within 3 days. The W.O. are confident ! that the existing forces are adequate for the defence of h- Egypt and they do not wish to move the brigade from Palestine until there are indications that it is likely h' to be required. As regards further troops from India, : VV ^*«fei**> +.V*.l J.*Jk«JU. there is a brigade earmarlee-d for service in Egypt which i! i 4th September 1939. 17208 F.O.P. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 ** To 311/2.3306. ?5S07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ms I 1 I 2 Ref, Fo S11/Z3306. 85*07 | Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Frcau lecypher. sir 1. La&pson (Alexandria) 1st September* 1919. i. 2*49 p.». September, 19S0. i. September, 19SS. 1111111111 King Farouk who received me this afternoon" once shewed a most satisfactory disposition, 2, He asked anxiously for the latest news as to what our action would be as a result of G-ermany's aggression this morning against Poland, 8. I replied whilst no instructions had yet reached me the attitude of Us Majesty's Government was in no doubt. I promised to inform. Sis Majesty the mcssent I received ay instructions which night come at any moment. 4. King Farouk spoke strongly about Italy, Doubtless she would wish to remain neutral and he felt keenly that was undesirable: He trusted His Majesty's Govermeat would see to it that Italy came in soon: Otherwise she would hang around the outskirts of the conflict and come in when the moment seemed ripe: She had never renounced or modified her claims upon France, 5, I observed that His Majesty might rest assured that His Majesty's Government had studied the matter fully from every point. I understood before I left London that it was definitely held that balance of advantage lay in keeping Italy out as long as possible, and to that end'I had just begged the Prime Minister on specific instructions from London most carefully/ 1] 2\ cST PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 311/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet carefully to avoii my act which night give Italy aay pretestfc for cosing im. His Majesty said lie JQJCT and could see our point though, Me indicated that lie lit not himself agr«0«- ' . . ' ) 6, Us Majesty oaoe more referred to cpestion of reinforcements and asked what effect Ms recent representation through Mr,. Bateaas bad had. I said that I knew Mr, Bat emu's telegrams were being considered ifcen 1 left ifbndextt: ;' I believed that a further brigade had been earmarked for prompt; dejspat.0ti from Palestine, His Majesty wms delighted to he^r; tiifs; Irat:' made a stroug poimt of psychological effect of further troops, I replied that I aaturally and had in fact told the Bepartment that the more >rqo we V cotild send here obviously the better; though actually much had already been dome to strengthen our land forces. ; 1. Later in the afternoon 1 told General Office'; ;'. r Goipindin. J g : British troops Egypt of what His Majesty had said; ! wd"learn. / •' -' t that grand total of our present forces is 80,110 vt&ob..will be V ' V brought, up to 22,152 when extra brigade arrives* I ^erstau,;"' d fro® Seaeral Wilson ';that there is a possibility of/4v&ntusl despatch of further troops here fro® India,* Th%$ if correct is most wiicoBe news. The more impressiw our frfces. in Egypt the better politically, Addressed to Foreign Office Ho.fi07 Sept«btr 1st, repeated to Khartoum telegram Io,10 Saving Bagial. telegr» lo.SO. 2\ cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins JM, To 3T1/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet tit1' J Cypher t© Sir I. Lampsom (Alexandria) Office, ath September 1989, 11.00 mm. lour telegram lo. 50? [of last September]. •If yon think fit you may inform ling Faronk that British military authorities consider that present forces in Egypt mre adequate for existing oircmstanoes* Semeral Officer CJofflKmdimg-im-Chief Middle East has discretion, to make any Movements of troops that he thinks fit, withim area rader his including bringing brigade from Palestiae mentioned im paragraph 8 of your tele grin,. See also my telegram 5I>§ [of Aogast 27th], H 2\ cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I **• To 3T1/Z33Q6. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet «tdf«ae* -with Hit , I' exprec aed Sis* *U*» ill-heRlth of y I Jtove mo to '.,1th this expreselon &t fwfr«i» «ift that Tsmi* ll» l«itiliissBr f G. C. i, f 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins T .- To 311/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet personal content «tt tfefft.ef Stf J 4 EC1YPT and SUDAN it: Registry \ Number f J 35S5/1/16 Political situation in E^ypt»_ Refers to Cairo despatch No.871 of July Fth FROM Mr. Bateman (J 2795/1/16). Cairo Discusses resignation of Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha, No.' 1066 (1/86/39) formation of the new Government under Ali Maher Pashafconstitution of the Cabinet and attitude of Dated 25th August, the f/afd^and encloses text of Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha's letter of resignation, also of King Farouk1 Received \4-th September to Ali Maher Pasha and his reply regarding in Registry / 1939 formation of Cabinet, together with notes 4n the new Ministers* J : Egypt and Sudan Last Paper. (Minutes.) References. With the very important exception of failing to }** declare war on Germany (and in this respect Mohamed *#" Mahmoud Pasha might have been no better) Ali Maher Pasha's new Government appear to be cooperating very * satisfactorily. The Government consists of Independents <( \T *J Nand Saadists; the Liberal Constitutionalists, who were (How disposed of.) offered 4 portfolios in the new Cabinet, declined Ali Maher Pasha's offer when the latter insisted on the M' inclusion as a Liberal of Abdel Kawi Ahmed Bey whom the Liberals disowned as a member of their party; for the present it would appear that they will at any rate not oppose the Government. The position of the Waf'd is not very clear. They have at one and the same time violent opposed the administration, whom they accuse of being in; the pocket of H.M.G., while in their press they have published a statement that in the event of war Great Britain could count on every assistance from the Wafd who! (Action (Index.) i completed.) l> would not seize the opportunity to stab her in -the back. T Mr. Bateman writes that most people regard Nahas Pasha as being crazy. Next Paper. Ali Maher Pasha is clearly intending to infuse new 15741 9/37 F-O-P. life / 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ms I Rof.: To 3T1/2.33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet life into the Egyptian administrative machine though it may be doubted whether some of his first actions, such as the dismissal of Amin Osman Pasha, are well calculated to this end. As Mr. Bateman points out, with the Senate in opposition and the attitude of the Chamber doubtful, the Prime Minister, if he is to take popular feeling with him at all, will have to rely on the appeal made by his positive achievements over the next three months. In this connexion the Egyptian financial situation will certainly cause Bis Excellency the gravest preoccupation. Query. Pr/int 4H§r without enclosures. Draft despatcb'ov s f •thanks herewith. The personalities v< annexed to the despatch are being carried into the Personalities Report. 7th September 1959. I have sent a copy of this despatch to the Printers ^ml-T ^inXthft^ it, j^Jglit ^<^ -i£t*4^a3rktt44£»aT Except for their incredible efforts to wriggle out of declaring that a state of war exists between Egypt and Germany, the Government of Ali Mahe Pasha have behaved well up to date. I fear that the Egyptian Government will be unable to carry out their programme of improving the lot of the fellaheen as they are virtually bankrupt. The principal difficulty that lies ahead as regards Egypt is the economic and financial situation. Unles we can arrange that Egypt shall be able to sell her cotton crop at reasonable but not profiteering prices there will be distress resulting in very serious inte •nal trouble. I am in contact with Mr. Bewley of the Treasury and Mr. Hutchinson of the Ministry of Supply with a view to trying to arrange that we should purch ise Egyptian in preference to American cotton. This is yl V . Minutes. strongly supported by the Treasury and will effect a saving in expenditure in U.S. dollars. Strong pressure will, however, probably have to be brought to bear on the Lancashire cotton spinners, who hate being inconvenienced in any way and will start a hue and cry at being told that they must use ^^ *, An^.y^ ^v^f/yy V 't «y» ,«r^. J.*f*+S*") Egyptian instead of American cottony We are also t> i in close contact with the Treasury as regards any ; measures that it may be possible to take to ; facilitate payment by the Egyptian Government for ; y • the arms and ammunition that they have ordered in f ; this country and for generally looking after I finances. 9th September 1959. Qsf* A irW*- ItA^ra U JOU *< •A cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I \Kef.: R) 311/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet (l/86/S< into thei ay "be doubl . as the dii Dilated to the Senat Tiber doubt f ular feelin , appeal mac ct three moi lancial s v e gravest p Draft de mexed to tl ersonalities I have printers wriggle ou1 "between Eg: pasha have' unahle to lot of the cotton cr The Right Hoi Viscount Hi trouble. treasury Egyptian in I cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE iris I Rat.: Fa S11/Z3306. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use i iof it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms ana Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet o >4* Ho» 1066. BRITISH EMBASSY, (1/86/59). ALBXAMDSIA. :VV.- *•> '«..' IK/ , .J .;«>• 25th August, 1939. i o 4 SEP 11..' My Lord, Sir Miles Lampson discussed, in his despatch Ho, \* 871 of/Tth July, the probability of the early retirement of the President of the Council of Ministers and the political complications that were likely to ensue. His conclusions have been justified by the event. On 12th August z 5 Mohamed Mahmoud P$sha handed his resignation to the King and begged His Majesty to accept it on the ground that the state of his health prevented him froaj. continuing any tn I J- longer in office. It was, and had been for some time, common knowledge that the Prime Minister was a very aiek z man but his decision, to resign seems to have been taken ui suddenly, and there were consequently the usual rumours that: a: there was more in. his resignation than met the eye. These ui m rumours are, I am fairly certain, without foundation. When I called upom His Excellency immediately after his final . P audience with the King he told me that, of late, he had i CD 2 found even fifteen minutes at a meeting of the Council of 0 Ministers to be too much for him. He could not have 2 carried on much longer and had decided to take the long rest on which his doctors had insisted. I expressed regret at his unavoidable decision and thanked His Excellency warmly in Sir Miles Lamps on* s name and my own for his loyal collaboration with this Qabassy through eighteen strenuous months. I have since done so on behalf of Your Lordship and those members of His Majesty's Government who were in- personal contact with him last summer. In the course of the /conversation The Right Honourable Viscount Halifax, K.G. , P.O. , G. G.S.I., G.C. I.E. , etc*, etc., etc* cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins To 3TI/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet conveysatiom Mohamed Mahraoud Pasha told me that his last piece of advice to the King was to rule strictly in. accordance with the Constitution and added that this was the best advice he could give if Egyptian relations with Great Britain, were to be maintained dn their present sound foundations. I have the honour to transmit Eoyal rescript No, 34 which gives the text of the letter of resignation and that of His Majesty's acceptance. 2. The formation of a new Government was, in accordance with the general anticipation entrusted to Aly Maher Pasha. But the task was not an easy one. For a whole week the administrative machine stood still while the new Prime Minister, completely ignoring the Wafd, allowed the Saadists and Constitutional Liberals to jockey for place in the certain knowledge that if they did not accept, his conditions he would do without their support, and form a Cabinet of his own nominees. It is characteristic of the Wafd these days that, the day after Mohamed Mahraoud Pasha's resignation, their press published an insane allegation that Aly Maher Pasha had consulted the Embassy before submitting his list of candidates to the King. Since then they have indulged in such vapid and violent abuse that the editor of "Al Misri" was arrested on 22nd August and the houses of Fahas Pasha and Mafcram Ebeid searched by the police the following day. Apparently, in the view of the Minister of the Interior, "Al Misri" had exceeded the limit of legitimate journalism in accusing the Government and this Embassy of deliberately planning the economic, ruin of Egypt and of exposing Egypt to the "danger of extinction in a horrible war". Nahas Pasha added his personal contribution in a speech of SSrd August - Zaghloul day - when, in one of his higher oratorical flights, he accused Great Britain of digging her nails into /Egypt's 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 1 2 »*• To S11/Z3306. ?5*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Egypt's wealth ana ot ^porting puppet ministries. In order to rob the fellah of his food ana the worker of his wages. Pasha was During this speech, Aly Maher/deseribed as "The strong man of the British who has undertaken to give them all they want". At the same time, the Wafd's afternoon paper was publishing a statement to the effect that, in spite of: all that Egypt had suffered at Great Beit aim.'ft hands, the Wafd would not betray her in her hour of need and that if war broke out she could count on every assistance from the Wafd who would not seize the opportunity to stab her in. the back. The fact seems to be that ITahas Pasha does not quite Icnow where he stands at present and is reverting to his trite slogans and outworn creeds with an eye to the possibility of a general election in the Autumn. Most people regard him as. being crazy. 3» During the search for a cabinet formula, the Constitutional Liberals and Saadists naturally claimed representation in. proportion to the number of seats held by them in the Chamber of Deputies viz: ninety nine and eighty four respectively in a total house of two hundred and sixty three. But Aly Maher Pasha appears to have made it plain from the beginning that he would allot no more than four portfolios to each party, that the key posts were to be reserved for himself and his nominees, and that he intended to have a majority even if it meant increasing the total number of Ministers of Cabinet rank. Distasteful as these proposals were to the two parties, agreement was almost reached but broke down on the insistance of Aly Maher Pasha d.n the choice of Abdel Kawi Ahmed Bey - the prospective Minister of Public Works'- on the ground that he was a Liberal. The party disowned him and, against the reported advice of Mdhamed Mahmoud Pasha, withdrew from the negotiations leaving the Prime Minister and the Saadists to settle matters between /them. Ref.,, To 3T1/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use iofTmay be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet them. All was then over bar the shouting and the new Ministry was, announced on 18th August. I enclose Royal rescript No. 35 which gives the text of the King's letter to Aly Maher Pasha together with the letter's reply. The Cabinet as finally constituted has already been communicated 7 4 to Your Lordship in my telegram Ho. 230 (Saving) and in order to avoid overloading this despatch I am enclosing notes on the new Ministers whose names do not figure im the list of Egyptian personalities. 4. The new Ministry is generally regarded as being a strong one "by which is understood that it is headed by a man with great drive and energy and that the remaining Ministers are men who know their own minds either by reason, of long administrative experience or because they are technicians doing their proper o'ob.. But it may contain, the seeds of weakness for this very reason. Hitherto, Egyptian Cabinets have comprised not more than two or three men of outstanding ability but even so it has been difficult enough to avoid the clash of personalities. With something like a brain trust to cope with, Aly Maher Pasha may find it extremely difficult to hold his team together especially as he has taken on two Ministries himself. (Interior and Foreign Affairs). He is known to be a good starter but having had a stroke, he is liable to overs train, his nervous resistance and may not stay the course. Amongst the experienced administrators in the new Government Hokrashy Pasha is the most interesting. As. Minister of the Interior under Mohamed Mahmoud he was good in so far as he stuck to his desk and never was at sea. But he is, though astute, narrow and pedantic and has made enemies either through his lack of elasticity or because he refused to play politics /according 11 21 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 2 I **/..- To 3Tt/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet according to the Egyptian rules. His descent from Interior to Education though affording him ample scope for his undoubted abilities is a sore blow to his amour- propre and he may turn out to be a mauvais coucheur. In pleasant contrast is Abdul Salara el Shazli Pasha the former Governor of Cairo who now becomes; Minister of Social Services. Through him, the Prime Minister hopes to accomplish a goodly part of the main item of his programme - the improvement of the fellah's lot. A hearty good fellow, and a feon. viveur with a roving eye, Shazli Pasha should find part at least of his new duties congenial•- that which conewms the control of theatres and cinemas and the supervision of the Police des Moeurs. As Governor of Cairo he gave evidence of tach talent and can be relied upon to bring a sympathetic; understanding to the problem of labour. His convictiom that money is made to be spent may however bring him into conflict with the Minister of Finance. He has taken over some of the duties that formerly belonged to the Ministry of the Interior and will have plenty to do. Unfortunately he, like his leader, recently suffered from something like a strde and may not be able to stand too hot a pace. Amongst the technicians are Abdul Kawi Ahmed Bey now Minister of Public Works who was formerly Inspector of Egyptian irrigation in the Sudan and Tewfik El Hefnawi Bey the new Minister of Agriculture who will no?/ have an opportunity to practise what he preached as he comes straight from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University* Saba Habashy Bey merited his ijBtentionL as Minister of Commerce and Industry: he wajS quick, 61 ; ' IN conscientious and hardworking under Mahamed Mahmoud Pasha and can be trusted to carry on loyally with his new chief. Ibrahim Abdul Hadi and Mohamed Ali Allouba Pasha have been /appointed ins 2| cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ** To 3T1/Z33Q6. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet appointed Ministers without portfolio charged with the duty .. of defending the policy of the Government in the Chamber and Senate respectively, 5. The appointment of Lewa Saleh Harb Pasha as Minister of Defence is one which caused me some misgiving, in view of the importance, at the present time of international tension, of having a suitable Minister in. that vital position* He was one of a number of Egyptians who deserted to the Senussi during the War while employed in the coastguard service. When first his name was canvassed, I was tempted to warn the Prime Minister against his appointment the more in so as I was oer-tain that it would entail bringing/Aziz el Mssri Pasha as Chief of the General Staff of the Egyptian . Array. Aziz el Mfesri Pasha although an. Egyptian has seen practically all his service with the Turkish Array. He poses as being well read on military matters but I was inclined to discount his judgment (not to say his sanity) from the moment when, some months ago, he was at pains to prove to me that the Germans had not been defeated at the Marne. .Moreover I had good reason for believing that his appointment would not be popular either with the Egyptian Army or the British Military Misslom. The combination at the Ministry of Fational Defence of a former deserter and one whom I consider a Germanophil did not appear ideal but following upon a conversation with Admiral Sir G* Wells, Director of Ports and Lights who has worked in close contact with Saleh Harb Pasha and reported well on him, I decided that the balance of advantage lay in inactivity especially as it was known that the King and Aly Maher Pasha had been greatly impressed by the knowledge of the Western Desert displayed by both the nominees. At my first interview with the Prime Minister after the Government had assumed office, /I 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE 85207 Ref,: To 3TI/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet I mentioned ray apprehensions concerning Aziz el Masri Pasha and was relieved when I was assured that if he was found, in practice, to be a square peg in a round hole, he would be dismissed. I have already seen enough of the.- new Ministry to know that no decisions of military policy will be taken without the advice of the Minister of Wakfs - Abdul Rahman Bey Azzam - who was recalled from Angora to take up his new post. His knowledge of Libya, where he fought against the Italians for many years, is unrivalled: he is a personal friend of some years standing in whom I have every confidence.. 6. An outline of the new Government's policy is given in the Prime Minister's letter of acceptance to the King. The stimulation of production, aid the development of the country's resources would naturally figure in any programme but the special mention of the necessity for national unity and retrenchment and ifee steps to be taken for raising the fellah's standard of living are worthy of notice. Promises of this nature have frequently been made and as frequently broken in the past but, in conversation with, me, Aly Maher Pasha was so insistent on these items of his programme that it seems ! possible that, given time and opportunity, he may have sane- , thing positive to show at the end of hia term of off ice» j Talk of national unity may, of course be discounted at once, j . i as having no real value. It is generally admitted to be | impossible of attainment. But it does not necessarily follow that the phrase is wi thout significance. On the contrary, in view of my talk with His Majesty (recorded im my telegram Ko* 458) 1 am fairly certaini that it means; that Aly Maher Pasha, backed by the King, intends to have a show-down with the Wafd and, if possible, to break once and. for all their hold over the masses on the basis of his own achievements. Their virtual disappearance from the /political PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your . Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet .^Tr**- -«' 212 political scene would go some way at least to remove an element of disruption. Hence Ms insistence on the fellah's claim to urgent attention. His Majesty hinted to me broadly on 20th August that this was in fact one of the objective© of the new Government, The King said that while he had little admiration for the European dictatorships it was impossible to argue that the democracies were possessed of all the virtues. There was some good in both systems and, in times as grave as the present, it was surely advisable for Egypt to discard such aspects of democratic procedure as had proved useless or inapplicable and supplant them by something more calculated to "get a move OM". Parliament (by which Hia Majesty undoubtedly meant th© Senate Tfeich is predominantly Wafdist) had become little more than & debating society with a distinct tendency towards obstruction; and many permanent officials did little except draw their pay, Aly Eaher Pasha was determined to "give them a taste of his cocktail" by way of stimulating them all to more strenuous and effective effort. The need was there, the time was out of joint, and authority at the head of affairs was more than ever requisite. The outgoing Ministry, though admirable in many ways had been too lax, the country's finances were in. a tangle and it was time that an energetic man with initiative and a capacity for hard work should take over the helm. His Majesty said that he himself was being criticised for idleness: but, added "It is an idle Cabinet that produces an idle King". What was obviously and urgently necessary for the good of the country would be done and done speedily but His Majesty asked me not to believe the rumours that were bound to be set on foot that a dictatorship was being set up* Parliament would have plenty of opportunity for debate /when ins I 1 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE i 2 | Ret'..• To 3TI/Z3306. 85807 Pies se note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 213 9. when it reassembled but members would have to remind themselves that the time at their disposal_was not •unlimited. In any e-ase I could pest assured that Aly Maher Pasha was convinced of the necessity of working in whole-hearted collaboration! with the Embassy/ - especially on defence matters - and that he was determined to do so. The Prime Minister had himself expressed identical sentiments to "me* earlier in the day and Judging from the daily talks I have had with him since, I am,bound to say that he seems to be sincere: several of our defence requirements have been satisfactorily dealt with in a few hours and meetings with the service representatives have left a favourable impression. 7. It remains to consider the possibilities of the future. The new Government has started its career by a number of sweeping changes in* the cadre of officials. Some of them are startling in their restlessness and others are of doubtful wisdom» I shall report on this matter in more detail when the changes are complete but meanwhile it is safe to say that most thinking people are at a loss to see the point of throwing overboard a man of the calibre of Amin Osinan Pasha, This was undoubtedly a Palace move and I left the Prime Minister, at my first interview with him, in\ no doubt that in my view, it was an act of folly. Acts such as this may easily and needlessly create a body of opposition, ini and out of Parliament that will cause the Government serious trouble in the autumn. With the Senate in opposition and the attitude of the Chamber of Deputies doubtful it is reasonably clear that the Prime Minister if he is to take popular feeling with him at all will have to rely on. the appeal made by his positim achievements over the next three months. But a campaign of retrenchment /and cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE iris I Ref.: Fb 371/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet C and economy seldom holds much attraction while a spectacular programme of social improvement and the development of the country's resources will cost money. Finance will be a crucial matter and Hussein Sirry Pasha will undoubtedly play a leading part ia the administration. Rearmament was not specifically mentioned in the Prime Minister1 s programme but he is committed to pushing; on in this matter as rapidly as possible. There can be little doubt that he will seek accommodation from His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom im regard to payment* 8, It is too early to speculate on what will happen if Parliament proves obstreperous, or to try to foresee whether Aly Maher Pasha will be obliged to dispense with it, and altogether or appeal to the country. For the moment/while Parliament is in recess he has a clear field and time to prepare for his inevitable battle with the Wafd. When he comes to face Parliament however the sincerity of His Majesty's constitutional protestations will be put to the test. For the moment the country remains calm to the point of apathy and perhaps a little bewildered by the dynamic innovations of the Prime Minister who is astute enough to know that in the Bast rapid and decisive action, creates the least opposition and the maximum of respect. A new vitality is certainly being infused into the administration! but when, the people of Egypt awake from their summer torpor they may find that there has been not only a change of government but a fundamental change of regime, I have the honour to be, With the highest respect, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, humble Servant II cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE •Fo 3TI/Z33Q6^. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet JOURNAL OFFICIEL DU GOUVERNEMENT EGYPTIEN 6Seme An nee Vendredi 18 Aout 1939 (Numero Extraordinaire) No. 81 Lettre de demission du Cabinet soutnise a Sa Majeste le Roi par S.E. Mohamed Mahmoud Pacha RESCRIT ROYAL No. 34 DE 1939 SlKE, . , • J'ai 1'insigne honneur de soumettre k Votre Majeste que les medecins m'ont formellement prescrit le repos complet Rescrit Royal portant acceptation de la demission pour un certain temps. Or la situation, internationale etant delicate, un effort incessant m'est demande, que mon etat du Cabinet de sant^ n'est plus k m&ne de subir. C'est pourquoi j'ai 1'honneur de presenter ma demission a Votre Majeste*, en MON CHER MOHAMED MAHMOUD PACHA, La priant de daigner 1'accepter. Je n'oublierai jamais les * hautes marques de sollicitude et de bienveillance, ni la Ayant pris connaissance de la lettre de demission que confiance et Fappui dont j'ai ete 1'objet pendant toute la vous Nous avez presentee le 12 aout courant, et prenant duree de mon Cabinet. Aussi ni mon coeur ni mes levres un vi£ interet k votre sant6, Nous ne pouvons qu'acc^der ne cesseront-ils d'exprimer a Votre Augusts Personne ma k votre demande. Nous vous exprimons Notre apprecia- gratitude la plus proforide et mon loyalisme le plus tion de votre sincere loyalisme et vous remercions "ainsi sincere. J'ai le ferme espoir que le Pays, sous 1'egide de que les Ministres vos collegues, pour les pr^cie'ux services Votre Majeste, et gr&ce autant k 1'amour qu'Elle lui garde que vous avez rendus au Pays. qu'au souci avec lequel Elle veille a son bien-etre, marchera a grands pas dans la voie du progres et de la gloire. Je Nous adressons le present Rescrit k Votre Excellence, prie le Tout-Puissant de Vous conserver pour la Patrie, en priant Dieu de vous prodiguer force et saute". afin que Vous soyez toujours pour elle une source de fiert^ et de grandeur. Fait an Palais de Montazah, le 3 Bagab 1358 (18 aoM 1939). Je demeure, Sire, de Votre Majeste, le tres f idele et tres devoue serviteur. FAROUK Bulkeley, le 26 Gamad Tani 1358 (12 aout 1939). (Traduction.) MOHAMED MAHMOUD. (Traduction.) PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I***.- Fb 3T1/2.33Q6. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet A JOURNAL OFFICIEL DU GOUVERNEMENT EGYPTIEN 66eme Annee Vendredi 18 Aout "\939 (Numero Extraordinaire) No. 82 Reponse de Son Excellence Aly Maher Pacha FORMATION DU NOUVEAU CABINET SIRE, ' ' \.^ Anime du plus sincere loyalisme et du plus profond RESCRIT ROYAL No. 35 DE 1939 devouement, j'ai 1'honneur d'exprimer a Votre Majeste mon infinie gratitude pour 1'auguste bonte et la precieuse confiance adress£ a Son Excellence Aly Maher Pacha dont Elle me donne le te"moignage en me chargeant de former le Cabinet dans des circonstances aussi delicates. MON CHER ALY MAHER PACHA, J'ai murement reflechi sur la situation et trouve que mon devouement et mon loyalisme envers 1'Auguste Personne de Vous savez, sans doute, toute la gravite de la phase que Votre Majeste, mon amour pour mon Cher Pays, mon traverse le monde en ce temps, comme y.ous n'ignorez pas devoir envers Arotre Majeste et envers la Patrie, me dictent ce que la position de notre Pays nous impose d'efforts inces- de m'incliner devant le genereux appel de Votre Majeste, sants et d'activite etendue pour parfaire notre preparation sans me dissimuler les lourdes charges du pouvoir. En sur une base d'unite nationale et de vigueur du sentiment assumant ces graves responsabilit^s, je compte sur 1'aide du patriotique, de stimulation des energies et de developpement Tres-Haut et sur Sa divine inspiration, fort de la bien- de 1'esprit d'initiative dans tous les champs de la production veillance de Votre Majeste et de 1'appui du Pays. gouvernementale et populaire. Ce n'est point ici le lieu d'exposer a Votre Majeste, en Comme votre sincere loyalisme, votre vaste experience et detail, le programme avec lequel le ministere se presentera votre glorieux passe au service de la Patrie et du Eoi, font au Parlement. Mais que Votre Majeste me permette de de vous 1'homme le plus qualifie pour assumer le pouvoir en souligner que mon objectif sera de rehausser le prestige cette heure si grave de la vie nationale, Nous vous appelons du Pays, d'imprimer un rapide essor a toutes ses activites, a la Presidence de Notre Conseil des Ministres. Nous avons toujours attentif & realiser le noble ideal, si cher a Votre 1'absolue conviction que dans votre zele patriotique et avec la Majeste, d'assurer le bonheur de Votre glorieux Peuple, fermete de decision et la rectitude de jugement qui vous sur qui Votre Majeste veille avec tant de sollicitude et distinguent, vous mettrez tout votre coeur a 1'accomplissement d'amour. . de cette lourde mission. Dans sa politique, ce Cabinet agira en ayant constamment en vue 1'esprit national ; aussi s'attachera-t-il a renforcer De Notre part, comme de la part de Notre chere Nation, 1'unite nationale, a aviver encore le sentiment patriotiquer vous trouverez 1'appui le plus sur et le plus complet. k stiiTiuler les energies et 1'esprit d'initiative dans tous Nous adressons le present Rescrit a Votre Excellence les champs de la production gouvernementale et pppulaire. pour la formation d'un Cabinet dont- vous Nous soumettr.cz Et le Cabinet suivra cette voie, anime d'un devouement le projet de composition pour le sanctionner par Decret. sincere, fidele au devoir qu'il mettra tout son zele a accomplir. Veuille Dieu Nous inspirer le moyen de realiser le bien et Aussi le premier soin du Cabinet tendra-t-il a donner aux la prosperite de Notre glorieux Peuple. hommes capables et de bonne volonte" la possibilite de prendre une part reelle dans I'acc6mpiissement de cette mission; a Fait au Palais de Montazah, le 3 Ragab 1358 (18 aout 1939). chaeun la destination la plus utile et la plus fructueuse. Etr en toutes choses, I'lnter^t national pr^vaudra centre tout FAROUK autre interet. Tout Egyptien, fonctionnaire ou non fonction- naire, doit a la Patrie d'accepter le sacrifice que requierent son salut et sa prosperite. . cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE iris T ** To 3TI/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Journal Officiel Extraordinaire No. 82 du 18 Aoiit 1939 Comme chaque membre de la nation a envers elle des Je demande avec ferveur au Tout-Puissant de conserver obligations sacre"es, le Cabinet veillera avant tout a develop- en Votre Majeste le soutien le plus fort de Son Peuple et son per les vertus civiques et 1'esprit militaire dans le peuple, refuge le plus sur, et de nous aider k remplir notre mission afin que,. eonsciente de sa dignite et de sa force, armee k la Haute satisfaction de Votre Majeste et de la maniere la d'energie, soutenue par' une foi 'inebranlable, la nation envi- plus utile au Pays. sage 1'avenir avec connance. Penetre de reconnaissance pour tant de bonte, je demeure, Sire, de Votre Auguste Tr6ne, le serviteur loyal et fidele. Ayant k coeur d'elever le niveau d'existence du peuple, Le 3 Bagab 1358 (18 aout 1939). . le Ministere s'attachera k developper les richesses naturelles du pays et en accroitre le rendement; il observera 1'esprit ( Traduction.) ALT MAKER. d'^conomie dans tous les domaines, pour affecter les fonds e"pargnes k ameliorer la situation des pay sans et des ouvriers, Decret constituent le Cabinet qui sont la base, le fondement de la nation ; il soulagera ainsi les maux qui eprouvent le plus la nation. Nous, Farouk ler, Roi d'Egypte, Un des principaux buts du Cabinet e"tant d'accorder la Vu Particle 49 de la Constitution ; plus vive attention aux questions sociales, il a juge oppor- Vu le Rescrit du -21 septembre 1879 ; tun de creer un nouveau ministere pour etudier et realiser Vu Notre Rescrit No. 35 du 18 aout 1939 ; les reformes qui s'imposent dans ce domaine. Sur la proposition .du President de Notre Conseil des Ce Cabinet, issu du peuple et assumant ces lourdes Ministres.; charges pour le bien du peuple et de tous ceux qui vivent DECRETONS: sous le ciel d'Egypte, compte sur le concours sincere et Art. 1.—Sont nommes : devout de tous les habitants du pays. ' . ALT MAHEB PACHA, Ministre de 1'Interieur et des Affaires J'ai en consequence 1'honneur, Sire, de soumettre ci-apres Etrangeres ; a Votre Majeste les noms des personnalites qui ont accepte MOHAMED ALY ALLOUBA PACHA, Ministre d'Etat pour les de collaborer avec moi k 1'accomplissement de cette grave Affaires Parlementaires ; mission, me reservant pour moi-me'me les portefeuilles de MAHMOUD FAHMY EL-NOCRACHI PACHA, Ministre de 1'Instruction Publique ; . 1'Interieur et des Affaires Etrangeres : MAHMOUD G-HALEB PACHA, Ministre des Communications ; MOHAMED ALY ALLOUBA PACHA, Ministre d'Etat pour HUSSEIN SIREY PACHA, Ministre des Finances ; les Affaires Parlementaires ; MAHMOUD FAHMY EL-NOCRACHI PACHA, pour 1'Instruc- Dr. HAMED MAHMOUD, Ministre de 1'Hygiene Publique; tion Publique!; SABA HABACHI BEY, Ministre du Commerce et de 1'Industrie ; MAHMOUD GHAJJEB PACHA, pour les Communications ; ABDEL RAHMAN AZZAM BEY, Ministre des Wakfs; HUSSEIN SIERY PACHA, pour les Finances ; Me. IBRAHIM ABDEL HADI, Ministre d'Etat pour les Dr. HAMED MAHMOUD, pour 1'Hygiene Publique ; Affaires Parlementaires ; SABA HABACHY BEY, pour le Commerce et 1'Industrie ; MOUSTAPHA MAHMOUD EL-CHOURBAGUI BEY, Ministre de la Justice ; ABDEL RAHMAN AZZAM BEY, pour les Wakfs; ABDEL SALAM EL-CHAZLI PACHA, Ministre des Affaires Me. IBEAHIM ABDEL HADI, Ministre d'Etat pour les Sociales ; , Affaires Parlernentaires ; ABDEL KAWI AHMED BEY, Ministre des Travaux Publics ; MOUSTAPHA MAHMOUD EL-CHOUEBAG.UI BEY, pour la MOHAMED SALEH HARB PACHA, Ministre de la Justice ; Defense Nationale; ABDBL SALAM'EL-CnAZLi PACHA, pour les Affaires MAHMOUD TEWTIK. EL-HEFNAOUI BEY, Ministre de Sociales ; 1'Agriculture. ABDEL KAWI AHMED BEY, pour les Travaux Publics ; Art. 2.—Le President de Notre Conseil des Ministres est MOHAMED SALEH HAKB PACHA, pour la Defense charge de 1'execution du present Decret. Fait au Palais de Montazah, le 3 Ragab 1358 (18 aout 1939). Nationale ; ; : ; MAHMOUD TJSWMK ; Ei4-H$jjsrAOur BEY, pour 1'Agri- FAROUK ! Culture. "• .': • ,- :^C.^,;.-oJ- .--;.,;; •'-^•.:"?,.:..• .• , Far la Roi : Si Votre Majes^i^^y'-'cfidcr^e'''^'^^^ daigner le Le President du Gonseil des Ministres, sanetionner par De"cret. '-•-'•' ^ - ,' - '•--•; ALY MAKER. (Traduetion.) 'Egyptian 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 ** To 3H/Z3306. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet ssant de conserver Son Peuple et son plir notre mission 3t de la maniere la MAITRB IBRAHIM AEDUL HADI. bonte", je demeure, r loyal.et fidele. Born about 1900; Dakhalia Province. Appointed Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs . LLY MAHER.' in the All Maher Cabinet of August 1959* Is a prominent member of the Saadist Party and has proved himself a inet most forcible speaker in the Chamber of Deputies. In his early years was; a fanatical student leader, and in 1920 was sentenced to penal servitude in the case of 139 ; otre Conseil des A"bdul Rahman Bey Pahmy« He was released in 1924 with other political prisoners "by the Zaghloul Ministry. Since then he has practised at the Bar where he 3ur et des Affaires distinguished himself as a successful advocate. He re d'Etat pour les will "be responsible for expounding and defending Ministry's !HA, Ministre de policy in the Chamber of Deputies. Speaks some English* Communications; nances; pgiene Publique j ammerce et de des. Wakfs ; d'Etat pour les i BEY, Ministre istre des Affaires iravaux Publics; [inistre de la r, Ministre de fes Ministres est (18 aout 1939). FAROUK (Tradwtion.) cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I Rot, To 311/Z3306. ?5*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet f. ABDEL KAWI BET. Appointed Mtaister of Public Works in the Ali Maher Ministry August 1939. After graduating at the Faculty of Engineering he made a rapid career in the Irrigation Department, where he proved himself an unusually competent and conscientious official. He was appointed after the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936 Inspeetor-Greneral of Egyptian Irrigation in the Sudan, where he showed himself a worthy representative of Egypt and got on well with the Sudan Government officials* He has "been identified with the Liberal Constitutional Party, a fact which "brought him into trouble at one time when a Wafd Ministry was in power« Speaks good English. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I \*ef., To 3T1/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet LEWA MOH&MBB SALBH HIRE PA3HA.. Born 1899; Asswan Province- . Graduated at the Military Academy, Cairo, and commissioned in the Egyptian army. At the outbreak of the Great War he was stationed at Sollum on the Western frontier in the coastguard service, and went over to the Seraissi. This act of his was considered "by the British authorities to "be one of deserting his post Taut it is understood that Saleh Har"b Pasha lays the "blame for his act on the British Officer commanding at Mersa Matruh at the time, who, he alleges, failed to support him* After the war he was allowed to return to Egypt. He was elected a Member of the Chamber of Deputies in the first Parliament formed Toy Zaghloul Pasha in 1926 and was later appointed to the post of Sub-Director-General in the Prisons Administration: In February 1939 he was appointed Director-General of the Coastguards Administration* Owing to his action at the outbreak of hostilities in 1914 he has always "been suspect, Taut British official^ who have "been associated with him in recent years have found him reasonably competent and easy to work with. He was appointed Minister of Defence on 18th August, 1959, in the All Maher Ministry. 112]cm¥ PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I I21 • To 311/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 11DSTAPHA. MAHMUD EL SHORBAGHI BEY. Appointed. Minister of Justice in the Hi Maher Cabinet, August 1939. A graduate of the School of Law, and practised for many years as a lawyer in 0?anta. Was a member of the Administrative Council of the Watanist Party and was elected a Deputy in 1931. Was appointed Counsellor in the Court of Jppeal in 1933. He is reported f-o "be competent lawyer and has pleasant personality. Speaks French but no English. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 1 2 ** Fo 3H/Z3306. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Appointed Minister of Agriculture in the Ali Maker Cabinet, August 1939. Graduated at the Faculty of Agriculture and has spent the greater part of his life in scientific research on agricultural questions. He was sent on a mission to Cambridge where he obtained the highest degrees. Is the author of several important works on agriculture. Since 1936 he has been Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture. Speaks English. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I •) I 2 ** Fo 3TI/Z3306. S5*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Telegram (en elair) from Sir M. Lampson (Alexandria.) 1st September, 1989. B, §nd September, 1989. 1, 6th September, Saving vwww I was received "by King Parouk this afternoon* 2. I handed him the King's letter proposing a state visit to England. King Parouk was immensely pleased and said he most highly appreciated His Majesty's invitation and that nothing would give him greater pleasure than that Queen Farida and he should be able to acoept. Since the King's letter was written tragic developments had occurred «hich necessarily affected everything,. He "begged me to convey to the King and the Queen his warmest and most grateful thanks. He would of course send a written expression of his. thanks to His Majesty. 8. 1 am sure, that politically this has "been a wise »©ve. I 1 2| cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 1 2 | ** To 311/13306. 35*07 Piease note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your ijse of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet | BRITISH EAABASSY, ALEXANDRIA. (By Air Bag) 2nd September, 1939. 8 My dear Lancelot, Horace Seymour's letter to Baxter of August 18th about Hassanein's mission to Tehran. s From all we hear, the object of the mission wajs, as suggested in that letter, to come to some amicable arrangement about the private fortune of £.300,000 left to Princess Fawzia by King Fuad. In addition to this, she receives an allowance as a Princess of the Royal House of Egypt. It appears that the Shah has made it quite clear that he wants the private fortune transferred from Cairo to Tehran: and it is also probable "that he wants to get his grasping fingers on the allowance as well. The Egyptian Royal Family are naturally and quite rightly objecting and it is unlikely that they will give way. Most of the Egyptians who accompanied the... Sir Lancelot Oliphant, K.G.M.G. , C.B. , Foreign Office, S.W.I. (Action completed.) Next Paper. J370- 15741 9/37 F.O.P. 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins Ref.<.: Fo 3T1/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 65 BRITISH EMBASSY, ALEXANDRIA. —2— the Princess to Tehran for the marriage ceremony came back disgusted and disgruntled by what they had seen in Iran. Many feel that when the Shah dies, the Iranian Royal House is likely to have s such a thin time that the present heir may have to take up his abode in Egypt. In that case Princess Fawzia's fortune will be most useful and handy.' Hassanein is not back yet but when he does return, we might be able to confirm the above. Later (September 5rd) I had a chance to throw a fly over King Farouk about this Mission this morning. He said that the unfortunate Hassanein was stranded in Tehran, as the Luft Hansa had stopped their service. I expressed the hope that all went well with the 'Princess? He said, somewhat hesitantly I thought, Yes, it did; and that she was devoted to her husband, ¥tiich was the main thing. I observed that the Prince had made a good impression whilst here. His Majesty said Yes, but the Prince had certain... (Action (Inde?,) completed.) Next Paper. T3707 IS74I 9/37 F.O.P. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 f. r Ret -s Fb 3~?1 /2.3306. «>iO7 Piea:>e note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your iJSe of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet BRITISH EMBASSY, ALEXANDRIA. •3- certain ide'es fixes which might not be too good. But then he was the son of his father - and he believed we knew from "bitter experience the sort of man the Shah was.' Not much in the above, "but such as it is you may care to have it. Incidentally, our young Monarch is in the most excellent form. I now go down and see him ("by his special request) when any news of importance (such, alas, as this morning's) comes in: and he has "begged me to keep in closest touch with him, entirely "sans c^re'monie", either "by personal visit or by direct telephone. This, I am sure, is all 1 to the good - and what Na contrast to -the past. \AAfWA*-. ft-tJ^r To show the AnlfraJaaJaility. of it all, he was in shorts, with long brown hirsute legs, and unshaved as we sat side by side on the sofa in his A.D.C's room this morning: and he could not have been more direct or "matey". He thought it an excellent joke that neither he nor I had been able to connect with the P.M. wheii he was so urgently wanted on a matter... (Action completed.) N i Next Paper. IS74I 9/37 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE insI Ref.: TO 3T1/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet BRITISH EMBASSY, ALEXANDRIA. matter of vital importance: and assured me that he proposed to pull the Pasha's leg badly about it. Long may this state of affairs continue.' Unberufen, I don't see why it shouldn't. Yours ever, (Action completed.) Next Paper. PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I \*ef.: R) 3TI/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet EGYPT and S Registry \ r Number Suggested broadcast rearding Egypt s relations 3661/1/16<> with, Germany* why, if it is as stated in newspapers, that Egypt has "broken off relations with. and Wafdist Party have decided to join Aly Maher's Cabinet, these facts are not "broadcasted r Considers Dated 8,th September, such a "broadcast would "benefit Great Britain* Received in Registry jlth Septeuibe 1939* J : Egypt and Sudai Last Paper. References. (How disposed of.) (Action completed.) Next Paper PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I ** Fb 311/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet INNISFREE, 9, KIRKLEE ROAD, GLASGOW, W. 2. -I SKP ^^ <2&^a-^^ 4- M cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE iris I 371/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 Ret, To 3TI/Z3306. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet "»•« ;o;iVf .-"i, <•-.•» J *$• ( '• \ t JA C|JP I Vy V,' !_ | ' ..j • i Y PT and ^w Proposed offer to King ffarouk of appointment as Registry : Qo.l,onel-"in-Chief, Lancashire Fusiliers* Number j/ 3707/1/16 Message for Sir Lancelot Oliphant:- TELEGRAM FROM jSJLr M. Larnpson Refers to Foreign Office telegram No 639 of Cc.alpQ) the llth September (J 3486/1/16). 585 (R) Recommends immediate offer of Colonelcy if Egyptian Government declare war, Dated isth Sept. 1939 Received ] in Reist Sept. 1939 Jj Egypt and Sudan. Last Paper. References. (How disposed of. (Action completed.) Next Paper 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I I 2 »* To 3TI/Z3306. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 7?ith to yo?32* lottar of th* dtb diveotod by Vlooount Halifax to inf om you that Ihs ddeisi« of tfc* "£&'ptlati Oounoil of to to the (l la tte .is that the "afd hav« to Join the 0 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ms T , To 3T1/Z3306. 35*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I I *** Fb 3T1/Z33Q6. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet ?gmirm OPFICS, 14th Sept«afc«r, 19 th ,!c, * r /a" r a*5 igast Slit of ed in t th.-- Ofii^L«f*is«-Cl3iiaf should IMS givea during the ring of Egypt's "tste iris it to tills cowttiy, t€iegr^pft©€ on. Ceptomfeer llth to Lanpsoii aakin in >4i v ^t j 11 .i^cti n iovt) n*a"at decl a state of »T *-it i "v >i h >"1 •"< co^^ a of fur of th: C01t&a01uyf and he has replied that lie w As th© Egyptian Covermaent, wfoile on the whole earryiag out satisf«c%of*ily nil the practical measures i us, hair© aecided foy- the preeest «t rate to sucii deGlarstion, v?e tHink t'i«t the offer of !«€| 17208 5/38 F.O.P f 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 1 \Ref.: To 311/Z3306. 85807 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet shoule l>e ir®pt in afeejancNis fa If however aattara in -igyp-t in a _ Qt wisti on political grounds t-z pursue the aattar «ltj cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE "ins" «*, To 3rf/Z33C?6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed 'Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet COPY. Personal. 26th September, 1939. My dear Hardinge, Cadogan tells me that you enquired recently the present position as regards the bestowal on King Parouk of the colonelcy-in-chief of a British regiment. Lampson told me on his return from the Palace, where he called to take leave of H.M. before going back to Egypt, that the idea was that the colonelcy should be offered to King Parouk during the State Visit to this country; and a short while after his return to Cairo he suggested that as the State Visit was perforce postponed the colonelcy should , be given practically at once. But almost simultaneously with this suggestion the Egyptian Prime Minister began to play hanky-panky and Lampson concurred in a proposal of ours that in all the circumstances and'until we saw to what extent King Parouk was conniving at All Maher's behaviour, the colonelcy should be kept in abeyance. I/ The Right Honourable Sir Alexander Hardinge, G.C.V.O., K.C.B., M.C. fc " l/v vU? . ( ^v^—1 |t Paper. 17208 5/38 F.O.P. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I i i 2 Ref, To 3T1/Z3306. ^5107 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet zrr —, . I would propose then that this should be our line at present and, subject to any observations you may have, this is the line that we will take. Only yesterday in a letter to Lampson I said that I relied on him to let us hear as soon as it became evident that Ali Maher was acting on his own and not at the instigation of King Farouk. (Signed) L. Oliphant. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 311/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 235 -!- !m ' [ // i\^ 7*i I/ i I M/1i b / BUCKINGHAM PALACE 27th. September, 1939. Personal. .Many thanks for your letter of yesterday about the question of King Parouk and his Colonelcy-in-Chief. I have explained the position to The King, who entirely agrees that this appointment should be held in reserve until the opportune moment comes. It certainly does not seem to have done so yet ! Sir Lancelot Oliphant, KCMG., CB. Foreign Office. f (Index.) I /-V^-.-~ Paper. 17208 5/38 F.O.P. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE iris I *** To 3T1/Z33Q6. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet BRITISH EMBASSY, ALEXANDRIA. 289/56/39. 22nd September, 1939 29 Dear Lancelot,INDEXED Many thanks for sending me copies of the correspondence with the War Office (J 3707/1/16) regarding a Colonelcy for King I am in entire agreement with the views set forth in Mallet's letter of 14th September to Roseway of the War Office. Sir Lancelot Oliphant, IC.C.M.G., G.B. , Foreign Office, S. W. 1. Kt Paper. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 ** To 3TI/Z3306. 85*07 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet __ ) \\T\ EGYPT and SUDAN 22 SEP I9: Registry Opinion in Egypt, regarding British measures in Number 384S/1/16. connexion with the war. FROM Transmits copies of report showing that hptillsation ]3ir M. Lamp son* of French reservists in Egypt and their despatch ' overseas has given rise to critieism of British efforts. Recommends that Ministry of Information should issue 1164 (826/S/39). encouraging statements showing that Empire major Dated Secret. effort is being prepared and explaining why Sept:1939. conscription does yet apDly to British subjects in Registry Sept:193£ overseas. Egypt and Last Paper. (Minutes.) 370-7 / References. (How disposed of.) *V-f (Action completed.) Next Paper. cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins T / Fb 371/2.3306. ^5107 Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 2]cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE **.- To 3T1/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet Air Bag I®. 1164. BRITISH EMBASSY, (826/8/39). ALEXANDRIA. SEGEET. «-£2P- 17th September, 1939. M™*/ My Lord, I have the honour t© transmit herewith a copy of m secret report which has reached me showing that the recent mobilisation of French reservists in Egypt and their despatch overseas has; given rise in certain quarters to unwelcome criticism of British efforts. If this sort of talk is left unchecked it may easily "be repeated among Egyptians; and exaggerated toy ill-disposed elements in the cosmopolitan, population.! of this country with I undesirable results, I have, therefore, had under consideration! possible means t© pmt a stop to it, 2. The instructions set fortfe. in Your Lordship1 s circular telegram of the 8th September regarding the method of dealing with applications from British subjects t© return to the United Kingdom and Join His Majesty's; forces were duly conveyed to His Majesty's Consular, officers in Egypt (see V/WT?v>\ Oa*3ISO. my despatch Ho» 114S of thel 12th September); but it was decided to give nr>© local publicity to the matter because comment and disparaging comparison with the French mobilisation might thereby be provoked and also because of the reference to "Imperial interests'*. I remain, moreover, of the ©pinion that local publicity would be insufficient to remove the danger which may well exist in countries other than Egypt. 3. I would recommend, for Your Lordship* s consideration, that the Mnistry of Information might put out encouraging The Right Honourable Viscount Halifax, K.G., P.O., Q.G.S.I., G.C.I.E. , etc*, etc*, etc* 2 1 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 1 —— — — — — — — — — — — I 2 1 f" l^m^jA f f\ •">«"•»<«»./' « c-..Si*^- ? Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet statements from time to time showing that while the Empire major effort may not take shape in the early stage® of the war, it is none the less feeing sorely prepared and foreigners would do well to reflect that Jbf conscription does mot yet apply to British Subjects overseas that is because the of men now being taken into service is determined by the means available for training them. These are continually being expanded and when they are working at their full capacity it will be easier to consider the many offers of service from British Subjects abroad mamy of whom will not want to be conscripted* I have the honour to be, With the highest respect, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, humble Servant, cm f, 1 2 s PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 , To 311/Z3306. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet 6523 12th September* 1939. French Feelings It may be of interest to report that an Egyptian recently visited the French Legation and diseusaed the present war. During the conversation between lonsie-or Andre Declonx, First Secretary and another Frenchman, the former stated that it was very unpleasant to -feink that, while a large ntamber of French reservists had left Egypt during the last few days to Join the colours, no Britisher seemed to have been called up. The speaker added that it was very sad to see that it was always France who had to make sacrificis while Great Britain generally managed to smoulder the lighter part of the burden and, afterwards, took the best share. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins 1 1 I 2 1 P"~ . <«i «*. v* £ r\ >i «•» ^ /* 8580lA *« .»•* -a*** 7*r> Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet BRITISH EMBASSY, X ALEXANDRIA. 826/2/39. 21st September, 1939 Dear David, I have just noticed a clerical error in our Secret despatch No.1164 of 17th September, sent toy Air Bag on 18th September. In the last line, "want" should read "wait". Will you please have it altered. Apologies for the error. Yours ever, D.V. Kelly, Esq., C.M.G. , M.C., Foreign Office, London. S.W.I. lAstr-v^ 17208 5^38 F.O.P •] 2| cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I \R*f... Fb 3TI/Z33Q6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet J 1939 EGYPT and SUDAN Political situation in Egypt* Registry \ J 5869/1/16 Records conversation on 19th Sejt ember with Number Hassan Sa"bry Pasha, who said that Nahas Pasha had stated that the Wafd supported the British and full inplementation of the Treaty, and would support Cairo. etat de siHge; but would never support Ali Maher Last Paper. (Minutes.) f- ^X-*^-^-* rO^^v^A^UJ (Action completed.) Next Paper. 1 2 cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I 1 I 2 **f.: Fo 3T1/Z3306. g5S07 | Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed 'Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet MfA^lL^_^toJfc& From Effg|. , : ^ Telegram (en clair) from Sir Miles Lampson, (Alexandria). 19th September, 1959* B. By bag 19th September, 1959. R* 23rd September, Io. g?§ (Saving) JJJJJJJJJJJ Hassan Sabry Pasha has just me this morning. 2* He said he had had a two hours* conversation with lahas, Latter had stated that fafd whole-heartedly supported the British and full implementation of the Treaty. They would also support etat de siege which was obviously necessary. But they would never support Aly Maker who was a villain, who represented no one and none of whose words could be trusted. Wafd would work for an "'Independent Government*1, but would not, so long as war continued, press for an election. If any Wafdists joined Aly Maher they would be expelled from the party. S. Hassan Sabry took much the same line. Aly laher had got together a crew of "vaut-riens": Minister of War was impossible: new Chief of the Staff (.Aziz el Masrl) was a '*tSte~bruleV'. It was a crime that the country should be governed at this hour of crisis by such a collection of "vaut-riensH or "petits fonctionnaires". The Pasha would lead the debate in the Senate and would see that the "etat de siege" was approved; but he would openly say exactly what he thought about the present Government, who were so antipathetic to the whole people that they would not last long. 4. I remarked that whilst much that he said might be true I deprecated attacks upon the Prime Minister at this stage. He was carrying a heavy burden, and it was surely not a time to add to them. 5. Hassan Sabry referred in violent terms to the victimisation of J*min Osman. It was a public scandal that a valuable/ I cms PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE ins I Fb 3"?1/2J3o6. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the Public Record Office's terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Public Records' leaflet valuable public servant should have been dismissed without rhyme or reason. It was common knowledge it was done by direction of King Faroufc who had had some cock and bull story that jtain had spoken disloyally of His Majesty. 6, I told the Pasha that I had left Jlly Maher in no doubt of our strong feelings on the subject of Min Osman. I was convinced it was only a question of time till that wrong was righted. The Pasha agreed but said this act of brutal injustice would ultimately recoil on tho heads of its perpetrators.