THE EGYPTIAN SITUATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000200170004-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: November 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 7, 1998
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: March 3, 1954
• Content Type: BRIEF

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NSC BRIEFING 3 March 19 4
25X1X7
THE EGYPTIAN SITUATION
Current Situation
Reconciliation Nagib and Nasr weak
compromise inviting struggle and possible
disintegration ruling Revolutionary
Command Council.
A. Authority Nasr and Council weakened by
developments . /~k~. ~"~-~~ ~~~
B. Nasr lost face and possibly some of his`
nerve.
C. During critical days he was described
as "pathetically bewildered and
frightened."
D. Nagib basically weak, .indecisive.
Personality only asset. Character not
strengthened by return.
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F. Unknown elements in army maneuvering
for power.
G. RCC has begun crackdown on unruly
elements.
II, Anticipated Developments
A. Future authority RCC could now be
uncertain. Position weakened by:
1. Continuing intra-council
maneuvering,
2. Possible challenge from new
military groups.
3, Undefined role Nagib versus Nasr
and RCC.
B. Wafd, Moslem Brotherhood, Communists,
other extremists, and old-line
politicians may try establish relations
with Nasr ova Nagib or: other army
factions interested in power,
1. Both Brotherhood and Leftists
appear involved return Nagib.
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j C. Early return constitutional government
remote des ite
i p~ public announcement.
', No progress economic development
possible during confusion,
1, No basis prepared.
2, Council and Nagib too preoccupied.
~. Prospects Suez settlement in state of
25X6A
suspense.
1. Increased influence extremists and
uncertain internal security lessen
hopes for settlement.
4. Possibility sudden agreement remains
should either Nagib or Nasr emerge as
dominant figure and believe such
agreement might be sold people.
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E. Egypt's position and influence Sudan
adversely affected by Cairo
developments.
1. Nagib's 1 March visit Khartoum
precipitated severe disorders when
supporters Sudanese independence
clashed with pro-Egyptian elements.
2. Earlier announcement Nagib's removal
from office seriously disrupted
pro-unionists.
III. Immediate Future
A. Period of confusion, maneuvering, loss
power by RCC likely promote more
' extremist military dictatorship.
B. Extreme rightist anti-British sentiment
likely to increase.
C. Communism unlikely become significant;
may attach itself to anti-British
sentiment and rightist extremism.
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NSC BRIEFING 3 March 1954
BACKGROUND
Sudanese Disorders on 1 March
1. 1 March visit Nagib to Khartoum to attend
opening first Sudanese parliament
precipitated clash some 30,000 pro-
independence and pro-Egyptian demonstrators
and police resulting 20 deaths, including
British police commissioner, and over .100
injured.
2, Opening parliament postponed until 10 March.
Nagib requested leave Sudan "interests of
public security.'.'
3. Pro-independence Umma Party, headed by the
Mahdi, defeated November elections by
Egyptian-supported National Unionist Party
favoring unicin Egypt ,
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4. Tribesmen Ansar sect, religious counterpart
Umma and faithful followers Mahdi, appear in
force in Khartoum shouting "Get out both
British and Egyptians." Spear-bearing
tribesmen charged police.
5. Violence followed wild demonstration 25
February. Unionists on learning Nagib's
removal when crowd shouted: "No union
without Nagib."
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