The SYL distrusted even supportive Egyptian envoys whose social habits risked Italian influence.

Evidence

The SYL was not happy with the Egyptian envoy, Salahdiin Faddel, although he was supportive of the nationalist project, because he drank alcohol. The concern was that he would mix socially with the Italians and befriend them. This is how a British diplomat in Mogadishu described the relationship: “The U.N.O. people are very pleasant but I think the Italians have got the Egyptian delegate, who replaced Rustom, in their pocket; Castello also is a border line case. They may find the Philippines, Escudero, a harder case.” Letter from British consul, Mogadishu, June 12, 1952, FO 371/80884, UK National Archives. The SYL requested that the Egyptian be transferred. His replacement, Kamel, would play a vital role in the rapprochement between the Italian administration and the party. — Abdi Ismail Samatar, Africa’s First Democrats, 1253

Categorization

• CANDY: A political party requested an envoy’s transfer partly because he drank alcohol and might befriend the Italians — an oddly personal flash of mid-century diplomacy.