The revolution and pacts (43). Ring of bilateral pacts (v). Egypto-Saudi pact. Egypt and Saudi Arabia have always enjoyed a very distinguished status and huge potentials at the Arab, Islamic and international levels. History shows that Cairo and Riyadh are two basic poles in the Arab regional system. Realising the importance of Egyptian-Saudi co-operation, the late King Abdul Aziz Al Saud once said: “Arabs are in need of Egypt and Egypt is need of Arabs.” Therefore, the late Saudi monarch was keen on promotion Egypto-Saudi relations since the foundation of modern Saudi Arabia in 1902. As the Arab-Israeli conflict intensified, the late King Saud of Saudi Arabia, together with other Arab leaders realised that the unification of Arab ranks was a pressing need. The Israeli threat, backed by Western powers, was growing steadily. As part of his assessment of the danger, the Saudi monarch said: “the Zionist threat is like cancer — in dealing with it neither medicine nor surgery will do any good.” In view of the tense situation in the Middle East, King Saud agreed with Egypt and Syria to set up a three-pronged collective security pact and a joint military command. The three countries agreed to adopt a unified foreign policy and to cooperate closely in all fields. On October 27, 1955, Egypt and Saudi Arabia signed a military agreement. Reporting this, The Egyptian Gazette of October 28, 1955 said: Egypto-Saudi Arabian Defence Agreement Is Signed A strong factor for liberation of Arabs “The Saudi Arabian Prime Minister, H.R.H. Prince Faisal was given an ovation at the Presidency yesterday for the signing of the Egyptian-Saudi Defence Agreement. He was accompanied by Sheikh Abdullah El-Fadl, Saudi Ambassador in Cairo. “Prince Faisal signed for his country, while Premier Gamal Abdul Nasser did likewise for Egypt. Those present at the ceremony were Sheikh Abdullah El-Fadl and Wing Commander Aly Sabry, Director of the Egyptian Premier's Cabinet. “Immediately after the documents had been signed, Prince Faisal and the Egyptian Premier shook hands and congratulated each other on this ‘historic day'. Prince Faisal then broadcast the following message: “It pleases me to express on behalf of HM the King and Saudi Arabian people my delight and rejoicing on this happy moment in the life of Arabism. The Agreement represents a real feeling in our heart, which will become more deep-rooted through the ages.” “Premier Gamal Abdul Nasser then said: ‘This Agreement, which emanates from the heart and mind of the Arab nation, is regarded as one of the strong factors for the liberation of the Arab nation and for the achievement of complete independence, devoid of any foreign domination and tutelage' (an indirect allusion to the Baghdad Pact/the author). “A signed copy of the organisation has been handed to the Arab League where it will be kept (a measure meant to involve the League in the process while in fact it was but a spectator watching developments in utter amazement/the author). “Asked whether Saudi Arabia would sign similar agreements with other countries, Prince Faisal said at his press conference there was no reason why this should not be done. “I do not think that the Arab League Collective Security Pact prevents the conclusion of such bilateral agreements”, he added. “Prince Faisal explained that Syria had announced it was still studying it. We will not hesitate to continue discussion of the matter, for we welcome any step to strengthen Arab unity” he continued. “Details of the Defence Agreement were released for publication yesterday. It provides for the creation of a Supreme Defence Council, a Military Council and a Joint Command. The Supreme Council will be composed of the Foreign and War Ministers of the two countries, and will extend guidance on military policy to the Commander-in-Chief of the Joint Command. It will be authorised to appoint or dismiss the Commander-in-Chief. The Supreme Council will also issue regulations organising the Military Council and defining its duties.” “The Military Council will be composed of the Chiefs of Staff of the Saudi Arabian and Egyptian Armed Forces, and will act as an advisory body to the Supreme Council. The Military Council will be mainly concerned with presenting recommendations and advice in respect of war plans, military operations, military industry, communications for military purposes, as well as the arming and training of the armed forces. The Joint Command will include the Commander-in-Chief, staff officers and commanders of military units representing both parties”[email protected]
