UA-R-GC-1914-01-01-1952-11-07_Page-015

~~ 4 President's Report 1951-52 -• Page 2 strenuous efforts of the .American Ambassador to soften the British attitude were greatly appreciated by the Egyptian public, and American reputation stood higher than at any time since the announcement of Mr. Trunant s Pal-estine policy. Another problem arose from general student participation in the guerilla fighting. Most Egyptian institutions recruited "freedom battalions" and it is not strange that some students in the University felt they ought to share in the movement. Wise counsel by the University administration, especially by Acting Dean Naanani, and truly remarkable self—discipline on the part of the student body prevented any drastic action. While some students may have engaged in personal activity outside the University grounds and hours, there was no internal organization that contravened the institutions s rule of political neutrality, or involved it in difficulties with the Egyptian, British or American governments. Even the simple fact of holding classes and coupleting the academic program was difficult. With public transportation frequently suspended, street demonstrations a daily occurrence, Egyptian institutions closed or operating fitfully, nationalistic hysteria in the air, and curfew imposed by martial law, it was a question whether the A.U.C. reputation for un-broken operation could be maintained. Yet only eight and one—half days of school were lost and these were made up by extending the second semester. This record is probably unequaled by any other educational institution in Cairo. Even the lecture and evening activities suffered much less than expected. Due to the curfew imposed by martial law, it was necessary to shorten the periods of instruction and move the lectures to an earlier hour, but students and audience gladly accepted all restrictions and maintained their interest throughout the year. In maintaining a successful and uninterrupted program throughout these months of disorder, the University has passed the severest test in its history. Part of its success was due to chance, part to the good judgment of the staff and the discipline of students, but the most basic factor is the esteem the institution has won for itself. This emphasizes again what so many Egyptians have said — that so long as the University serves Egypt with imagination, effectiveness and uniqueness, it will be welcome. II — G ETTEP.AL REVIEW Academia Program While no radical changes in the academic program took place, several aspects of the year's work deserve comment. The first is the opportunity and problem posed by the educational atmosphere in Egyptian institutions from which so many of our students come