Evening star., 1953-06-21
Egypt Takes Another Step

The transition of the Egyptian government
from form of monarchy to that Of a republic
is a milestone in the history of that ancient
country Only in the composition of the
executive arm of government however, does the
change have immediate implications.
Monarchy as an operating entity came to
an end in Egypt II months ago as King
Farouk and his family sailed out of Alexandria
harbor into exile in Europe. For several weeks
previous, and in the months SINCE Egypt has
been ruled by Council of Revolution, made up
of a civilian cabinet and more powerful
policy making army committee. The nominal
head of the revolution that was then taking
place was Mohammed Naguib a professional
soldier who was leader and the ranking
officer of the military clique that had decided
upon a new way Of political life for their
country. In the months between, the military
coloration of that new government has become
gradually more clear. General Naguib, first
granting the premiership to civilian, later
took that Office himself. Now, the proclamation
by which Egypt has become republic and
General Naguib has been designated its first
President has been announced frankly as the
decision of I'VE officers of the revolutionary
council"
At the same time, three members of the
military committee moved over to the previously
all-civilian cabinet in the posts most important
to internal control of the country. Colonel Mas
ser, considered from the beginning as power
behind the revolutionary movement, took the
position of Vice Premier and Minister of In
terror. Major Salem, often the official spokes-
man of the revolutionary movement, became
Minister of Guidance, or propaganda, and
Squadron Leader Boghdadi became Minister Of
War. Actually, there is no implication in these
changes that the domestic policies of the
Naguib government will be changed. For sew
eral months a drafting committee has been
working on a new constitution to provide
republican rule, and the recent proclamation
specifies that the ultimate decision on whether
there should be presidential or parliamentary
system will be put to public referendum. 1t was
promised also that the presidency will become
an elective Office after the new constitution is
adopted.
Perhaps of more Importance outside of
Egypt at this time is the clear indication that
there will be no change in external policies.
Mahmoud Fawzi, once member Of the Egyptian
Embassy staff in Washington and later his
countrys permanent representative to the
United Nations, remains as Foreign Minister in
the new cabinet. It was Fawz backed by
Naguib and the army group, who was leading
figure in resolving the Anglo-Egyptian con-
troversy over the Sudan, but it was Fawzi also
VINO GooK leaung rOle III the SCalemaCeu
negotiations over British evacuation Of the
Suez area.
Whatever the course of Egyptian policies in
the near future, the latest change clearly
solidihes the control of the revolutionary regime
Their rule thus far has been q benevolent one
and their proclaimed intentions are likewise.
Egypt has lost nothing beyond break with
tradition in abandoning its monarchy. The
opportunity for more constructive accomplish
nfents both internally and externally, lies
available to those who now seem secure IN their
power. s.