COMMITTEE OF OFFICERS

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26832, 10 September 1952, Page 9

COMMITTEE OF OFFICERS

Alleged Power In Rule Of Egypt

(Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, September 8. A committee of officers believed to number 12 is now running Egypt, according to the Caird correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph.” Most observers in Cairo, he says, believe that the direction comes from the committee and not General Naguib. “After yesterday’s shap crack of the whip, political parties to-day are staging a shrill chorus of praise for the Army. Many large crocodile tears arc being shed by the party press over past sins. Deputies of politicians now Under arrest are hastening to arrange a show of reforms and purges that might satisfy the Army, says the correspondent. ‘The WafdistS and their newspapers are giving an interesting demonstration of a trait well-known in Egyptian politics of adjusting their fulsome lip service to whoever is in power. Although the Wafd, by denying General Naguib’s demahds for reforms did much to bring about yesterday’s ’events, the Wafdist press is to-day entirely on its eloquent knees to the Army.” The correspondent says that General Naguib seems to be gaining a genuine measure of affection from the povertystricken maeses who have so long watched ostentatious displays of great wealth in high places. However. British official sources are seeking some convincing evidence that General Naguib can control the forces he has unleashed, and that he is not being driven by the military committees which assisted his rise to power. The correspondent adds that British opinion, while .supporting land reform in Egypt, has shown some anxiety lest the speed with which the next steps are apparently being pushed through, should undermine the economic Structure of the country.