774.00/2–2754: Telegram
No. 1292
The Ambassador in Egypt (Caffery) to the
Department of State1
priority
986. Following is best information so far available regarding events last night:
Around 10 last night, representative of group young cavalry officers went to Nasir to demand reinstatement Naguib. Nasir replied RCC would respect desire free officers from whom RCC derived its powers. Following meeting, Nasir passed word that there was dissatisfaction among cavalry, whereupon free officers took it upon themselves to surround cavalry, barracks and informed officers [Page 2224] there that RCC had their full backing. RCC then sought to get in touch with RCC member Khaled Muhieddin for background on action of cavalry officers. When they reached him, he announced he was taking over the government, and was going to enlist Naguib’s support. Muhieddin then alerted cavalry tank units. At about 1 a. m., Muhieddin saw Naguib and it was quickly agreed that Naguib would resume Presidency and Muhieddin would be Prime Minister, with program to restore Constitutional government.
When Muhieddin returned to cavalry barracks, he and 41 cavalry officers were arrested by free officers, who also took Naguib to artillery mess, Abassia barracks.
Artillery, air force and infantry reported to have fully supported RCC at this stage.
Subsequently, Nasir reported to have talked with cavalry officers and reached some agreement.
Situation still extremely confused, but reports continue persistently that Naguib is coming back. Rumors to this effect current in the streets have produced evidence of popular election at prospect. Embassy reliably informed, however,RCC meeting has just been suspended for a few hours and that no decision has been reached regarding Naguib.
At 6 p.m., security measures markedly reduced from high level of this morning.
- Repeated to London as telegram 320 and unnumbered to Paris, Rome, and the Arab capitals.↩