EGYPT: Needed: A 56-Day Miracle

• Share

(2 of 2)

Unfavorable Odds. The odds are against the miracle. A Cairo editor puts it thus: "If the British agree in principle to evacuation of the Canal Zone and recognize unity of Egypt and Sudan under the Crown, the Hilaly government will stand, and Egypt will get clean government and reform. But if the British are stubborn, Hilaly will fall. It's all up to the British."

At week's end the British and Egyptians met for the first official conversations since last August. They talked for 80 minutes. Moderate Egyptians nervously wondered if the British know how late the hour is.

The 32-year-old King and his 60-year-old Premier, the two men who represent Egypt's last best hope, move about with heavy guards. Farouk has put aside his gambling, stays close to his palace. Late one night he slipped out without telling his staff, climbed behind the wheel of a small Citroën and headed for downtown Cairo to see how the curfew is working. He got only a few blocks when four army privates hailed him and demanded his curfew pass. Said Farouk: "I don't need one. I'm your boss." The soldiers got tough, ordered him out of his car. Just then an officer came up, recognized Farouk. His arm went into a paralyzed salute, and he nervously ordered the soldiers to let His Majesty pass. But Farouk congratulated the soldiers, produced his pass and went on. The next day the four privates were promoted.