UN General Assembly
1947

Nowhere is this more evident than in my own country. The world opinion which tolerated the forceful invasion and occupation of Egypt sixty-five years ago has long ceased to prevail. Yet, out of the darkness of nineteenth century imperialism, vestiges still linger which place my country in a position unbecoming any sovereign, equal Member of the United Nations. In consequence, Egypt finds itself today fettered in its desire to live up to its obligations under the Charter, and not free to discharge its duty to put down aggression by any nation at any time. As soon as the Charter was brought into force, Egypt sought a reorientation of its position which would be consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter. It endeavoured to persuade the United Kingdom to withdraw the British armed forces stationed in the Nile Valley and to terminate the British administration in the Sudan established at a time when Egypt was powerless and encumbered.