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To get the true picture of Egypt's "gentle revolution" and discord, Bell was hampered by a façade of secrecy and official announcements. However, he added: "As we tried to find out who was doing the real work in government, all trails led to Nasser." This was confirmed when the Egyptian Republic was launched in June 1953, when Naguib became President and Premier and Nasser was named Deputy Premier. Naguib, Bell reported, "will continue his real talents working 18 hours daily as the regime's symbol before Egypt's 22 million people."
As weeks went by. Bell continued to watch and TIME to report the under cover play for power in Egyptian politics. Two months ago Bell advised New York: "It is believed that the decision to relieve Naguib of the premiership, leaving him only an Auriol-like status, has already been made . . ."
Last week, by chance in Cairo on a special assignment, Bell was on hand to confirm his predictions. Along with TIME'S present Middle East Correspondent Keith Wheeler and part-time Cairo Correspondent Mohamed Wagdi, he helped report the ousting of Naguib, Egypt's popular symbol, and his recall in this latest test of power.