SUEZ CANAL DISPUTE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27075, 25 June 1953, Page 9

SUEZ CANAL DISPUTE

Secret Talks In Egypt

(Rec. 8 p.m.) CAIRO, June 23. The President of Egypt (General Naguib), the Indian Prime Minister (Mr Nehru), and the Pakistani Prime Minister (Mr Mohammed Ali) tonight discussed ways of speeding a solution to Egypt’s dispute with Britain over the future of the Suez Canal zone. No statement was issued after the secret conference, lasting an hour, which other Egyptian, Indian, and Pakistani representatives attended. Tonight more than 100,000 packed a Cairo square to hear General Naguib address a Liberation Rally celebration. General Naguib declared that Egypt’s “enemies” had learned “that we do not bargain, and consequently do not negotiate, but ask an inalienable right—a right which cannot be delayed or disputed.” In an obvious reference to the canal dispute he said: “We shall not yield one inch nor accept any substitute for the right. The Republic has been set up with your will to pave the way to glory and to an honourable life in which all citizens shall co-operate, and in which the first servitors of the people shall be their rulers. “Thanks to the revolution Egypt has gained a new and firmer confidence throughout the whole world—confidence in the political and economic fields,” he said.