STRUGGLE FOR POWER

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28529, 7 March 1958, Page 7

STRUGGLE FOR POWER

“Saudi Arabia In Centre” (Rec. 10.10 p.m.) NEW YORK. March 6. King Saud of Saudi Arabia was standing in the middle of a power struggle between the United Arab Republic and the Western-sup-ported Arab Federation, well able to tip the balance in favour on either side, but preferring for the moment to stay in the middle, the "New York Times" said today. “An open struggle for control of the Middle East is now getting into full swing between the Sovietbacked United Arab comprising Egypt, Syria aid Yemen, and ths Western-supror d Arab Federation of Iraq and Jordan. “In this struggle, two of tne areas' strong men are pitt d against each other—Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, now president of the United Arab Republic, and Nuri As-Said, once more Premier of Iraq, who sponsored the Bagdad Pact and who sees in co-operation with the West the best guarantee of Arab independence and freedom. “In between stands King Saud, who could well tip the balance in favour of one side or the other but for the present prefers to stay in the middle. “And on the western flank is President Bourguiba of Tunisia, who is working for a North African Federation to comprise Tunisia. Morocco, Algeria and, presumably, Libya, which would lean on the North Atlantic Alliance. “The first round in this struggle has undoubtedly gone to Nasser. The Arab Federation’s mission to King Saud has failed to win nis allegiance and President Bourguiba's plan is frustrated by the Algerian conflict which has strained relations between his country and France. “But Nasser, has succeeded in bringing Soviet-armed Yemen into his camp in what amounts to an alliance between the Egyptian dictator and the absolute ruler of Yemen.” Apartheid In Taxis CAPE TOWN, March 8. South African Government apartheid inspectors are beginning , to appear in the streets of Cape Town to enforce the segregation of taxis, according to the British United Press. European drivers are forbidden to carry coloured passengers under a statutory law. The news agency said that at least six- white taxi-drivers nad been “booked” for carrying coloured passengers. Drivers said they had suddenly found themselves in the embarrassing position of being forced by law to decide whether their passengers were European or nonEuropean. They were also caught between a statutory law compelling them to take passengers of only one race and a municipal by-law which did not allow them to refuse a passenger unless he was drunk. Australian Trade Mlsaion.—An Australian trade mission. Including 20 manufacturers, bankers, and business men, will visit Singapore. Malaya, and Thailand next month.—Canberra. March 8.