SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis examines the reconstruction of Anglo-Egyptian relations in the aftermath of the Suez crisis during the period 1957-1961. The research starts by showing that this relationship was ruptured as a result of conflicts in the foreign policies of the two states. This rupture occurred during the period 1954-1956 despite the fact that all problems in the bilateral field between the two countries were settled in 1953 and 1954. The sudden rupture in Anglo-Egyptian relations created several problems in the field of bilateral relations. These problems generated sufficient pressure on the governments of both countries to force them to meet, negotiate and make compromises on their initial positions in order to reach an agreement. The research starts with an introductory chapter (Chapter One) which shows the development of Anglo-Egyptian relations up to 1957. The second chapter exposes the problems in bilateral relations between the two states as a result of the rupture in 1956, and their impact on both states. Chapter Three describes the start of the Anglo-Egyptian negotiations, and how Egypt tried to reach an agreement with the United Kingdom in 1957. Chapter Four shows how an agreement was reached between the two states, the U.K.'s efforts to reach an agreement, and demonstrates the negligible impact of the conflicts in the foreign policies of the two states on the negotiations. The fifth and final chapter deals with the reconstruction of official relations and the impact of this on bilateral relations between Egypt and the U.K. and on the region as a whole.