FEW VOLUNTEERS IN EGYPT

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27091, 14 July 1953, Page 9

FEW VOLUNTEERS IN EGYPT

PROPOSED “ARMY OF LIBERATION ”

„ CAIRO. July 12. The Egyptian Government has suffered a serious setback in its nation-wide campaign to raise volunteer “liberation battalions” to drive the British out of Egypt, according to the correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph.” The strength of the movement, after months of propaganda, is only about 20.000 out of the 20.000.000 population. A mere 10 to 15 per cent, of these are thought to be genuine volunteers. The remainder are ordinary armv conscripts or reservists drafted to hide the almost total lack of popular support. The main recruiting difficulty seems to be the ordinary Egyptian’s resentment that he should be expected to take on nearly three divisions of highgrade British troops in the Canal Zone, while the Egyptian Army and Government gives advice and encouragement from Cairo.