THE SITUATION IN SUEZ
TAKEN FROM THE
EDITORIAL – CANAL ZONE NEWS
Thursday, 8th November 1951
“One of the most lamentable characteristics of the Egyptian Government’s intimidation of labour is that it dragoons the Canal Zone Egyptian to undertake his own undoing. There is no employment in the Delta for the great majority of these people at the present time, which compares in any way to that offered them by ourselves.
The poorest and most illiterate Egyptian freely and eagerly seeks employment with the British, for he knows that he will be well paid; well housed; well cared for and secure.
If through fear and mental confusion the exodus continues, then unemployment in the Delta will greatly increase. More and more Egyptians will realise what they have lost and how they have been deluded by their Government.
When this time comes, the Government (which has for the sake of its own political ends treated with a contemptuous disregard the welfare of its own people), may well reap the whirlwind which it has deliberately called into existence.”
THE SITUATION IN SUEZ
No startling item of news has been reported but this lull gives an opportunity to convey some details of the impact of the crisis upon the Garrison.
Before the crisis only 9 officers and 25 O.R’s were accommodated within Suez Garrison. In the towns of Suez and Tewfik there were over 500 families in private accommodation, representing units at Kabrit, Shandur, Geneifa, Shallufa and Adabia, as well as Suez Garrison itself.
FAMILY EVACUATION
At 12 noon on Tuesday, 16th October, the order was received that all families in Suez and Tewfik would be evacuated immediately. The operation commenced at 1400 hrs, and within five hours most units had reported the completion of the evacuation.
The exercise was thoroughly enjoyed by everybody, and the local population was stupefied by the demonstration of so much transport and arms. No unpleasant incidents occurred during the evacuation which was undoubtedly due to the promptness with which it was executed. The presence of families in the camps caused the duties of many individuals to be completely revolutionised. One of the most astonished was a certain R.A.E.C. Sgt who found his unit Education Centre transformed into a families mess and himself detailed as caterer.
LABOUR LOSSES
Intimidation of local labour has increased, and every day sees a decrease in the number of Egyptians reporting for work. Threats by local thugs, particularly against the workers’ families, have caused many to leave their employment although they have given the British Forces many years of loyal service. It is reported that those who have been offered local employment find that it is nothing more than casual labour on local farms, and resentment is increasing against the Egyptian authorities.
ADABIA DOCKS
In the space of a week the docks at Adabia were transformed from just an Army dock to “one of the most important in the world”. With the support of the Royal Navy it now handles a shipping list each day of which any dock could be proud, particularly since the labour situation fluctuates, and nothing can be forecast. The excellent way in which the Royal Navy and the Army have co-operated in this sudden expansion is to be admired and is worthy of record.
CHILDREN’S SCHOOLS
The evacuation of families has necessitated the Garrison Children’s School being broken up into smaller units at the various camps where the numbers of children justify local provision. Children’s Schools now exist at Shandur, Geneifa, Shallufa, Suez and Adabia, and the staff and equipment of the Garrison Children’s School, Suez, have been shared amongst them. Only two normal school days were lost during the reorganisation.
| Lady
Robertson’s Appeal To Wives
This appeal is addressed to the women living in Fayid, Fanara, Geneifa and Shandur. “I do not need to tell you of the difficulties which are being felt in the Canal Zone owing to the departure of the Egyptian labour. This shortage of labour is felt acutely in establishments responsible for the welfare of the troops such as the NAAFI, and by men of all ranks who have to work late into the evening, and even through the night without being able to get so much as a cup of tea. Having had a talk on the subject with Brigadier Greenacre, I am proposing to start a scheme whereby part-time voluntary workers will come forward to help make good some of these deficiencies. I am sure many of you, particularly those who are not already in jobs and those who do not have to look after young children at home, will be only too anxious to be of service in these ways. In order to get this voluntary work going I ask all of you who would like to work, even if it is only for a limited time in the week, to come to a meeting at Dumbarton House at 3 o’clock on Thursday afternoon – 1500 hours on November 8th – and there to meet me and a small committee which I am getting together. I will then be able to tell you in more detail exactly
where help is most wanted, and you will tell me what you feel you can
best do to help in this emergency.” |