Then, after that, we met with the representatives of the leadership and studied with them the proposed self-governance constitution in detail until we were convinced that the required amendments for the validity of this constitution would not take time and there was no reason to postpone the implementation of self-governance in Sudan. The opinion expressed to us by Mr. Muhammad Najib and the representatives of the leadership was that Egypt was pleased to cooperate with the Sudanese in establishing self-governance immediately as a step towards self-determination, and Egypt was even pleased for Sudan to become a fully independent state, because they were certain that Sudan's independence was in Egypt's best interest. In the last meeting held with the leadership representatives on October 21, 1952, we reached an understanding based on our previous contacts and as a direct result of them, the Egyptian government presented us with the following points as a basis for discussion between Egypt and the representatives of the Sudanese independence advocates. These points are: Objective: The Sudanese to determine their fate in complete freedom, either by declaring the independence of Sudan within its current geographical borders from Egypt and Britain or any other country, or by linking with Egypt, provided that full self-governance in Sudan precedes this immediately. Conditions: (1) Amending the proposed self-governance constitution to achieve Sudanese control over self-governance immediately. (2) Considering the period of self-governance as a liquidation of the condominium administration, not an extension of it. (3) The elimination of foreign influence in the country through the Sudanization of the government administration in Sudan. Means: Discussing the practical means that lead to the aforementioned. It is perhaps clear from this that the independence viewpoint is the one that prevailed and became the subject of attention and implementation by the Egyptian government and the army leadership.

Muhammad Ahmad Mahgoub October 21, 1952 104