Out Goes Naguib

EGYPT

Premier Mohammed Naguib swung easily out the gate of Egypt's Revolutionary Command compound one day last week, whistling merrily. It soon developed that either he was whistling in the dark, or whistling because he was glad that it was all over.

He was hardly out of sight before his Deputy Premier--and the real boss of Egypt's military junta--handsome, 36-year-old Gamal Abdel Nasser, curtly announced that Naguib had submitted his resignation as Premier, but would stay on in his honorary job of President. Four Cabinet ministers (who had unwisely backed Naguib against Nasser) had also resigned for reasons of health, said Nasser, adding that henceforth he himself would be the new Premier.

As Nasser assumed power in name as well as fact, it looked as if the long struggle for power was over. The shrewd and ambitious lieutenant colonel who masterminded the army revolt that ousted King Farouk had at last completed his triumph over the affable and beloved general he had put in as front man.

In Nasser's first attempt to clip Naguib's wings eight weeks ago, he had ordered him placed under house arrest. Such arbitrary treatment of a man built up as the public's idol sent hundreds of thousands swarming into the streets of Cairo to protest. Surprised, Nasser put Naguib back in office and settled back to await a more propitious moment.

The moment came last week, and as Nasser deftly dumped Naguib from the driver's seat, there was barely a murmur of protest in Cairo. Naguib himself, who recently suffered a nervous breakdown, was in no condition to fight back. In fact, Naguib proclaimed that "we are now stronger than ever and we shall go ahead in a united front." To keep tab on Naguib and to make sure that he does not cause any more trouble. Strongman Nasser announced the creation of a new Cabinet post: Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

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