The July 23 Revolution and pacts (18), Baghdad pact disparaged. Colonel Gamal Abdul Nasser, the Egyptian Prime Minister, left no stone unturned in his anti-pact crusade. Normally, statesmen seeking to publicise major decisions, policy statements or criticism of other leaders' attitudes or stances, seize every available opportunity to conveniently and timely do this. If there was no such opportunity on their immediate agenda, one could be quickly arranged (e.g. a premature passing out at a military college, an ‘exclusive' interview with a foreign newspaper or magazine editor, a dinner in honour of retiring generals, an anniversary of a social welfare society, and so on. In an exclusive interview with the Middle East Bureau Chief of ANSA, the Italian news agency, Premier Abdul Nasser denounced the Baghdad pact and criticised the United States for virtually joining it. The interview provided the main front-page story of The Egyptian Gazette of March 23, 1955. Headlined: Baghdad pact aims to split Arab Unity — Nasser US Liaison is equivalent to joining the pact The Gazette report said: “Prime Minister Gamal Abdul Nasser declared yesterday that the aim of the Baghdad pact was to turn asunder Arab unity. He considered the United States announcement establishing military and political liaison with the pact organisation as tantamount to joining it. “The Prime Minister made this statement in an exclusive interview with Edwardo Pallok, Middle East Chief of Bureau of ANSA, the Italian news agency. “Answering a question as to whether Italy as a Middle Eastern country interested in peace could assist towards clearing the atmosphere between Egypt and the Western powers, Prime Minister Gamal Abdul Nasser said: ‘One cannot talk of mediation by Italy or any other state because there is no dispute between Egypt and the West. However, Italy could try to convince the Western powers that Egypt is a free country and not a protectorate. If we wish to strengthen our army, this is entirely our own business' the Prime Minister added.” Turning to what he believed was the core of tension in the Middle East, Colonel Nasser told the Italian newsman, “Some people talk about threats to peace, and tension in the Middle East. We have not known peace since the day Israel started her hostile policy. Those who speak about peace are but deceiving themselves. Where has peace been during those years of constant Israeli aggressions with attacks on Gaza and other places? Those who speak of peace are just shutting their eyes to Israel's aggressive intentions.” [email protected]
