March 20, 1955 Major Salem

A most important and conspicuous development took place only three days ago, on March 20, when Major Salem, the Egyptian Minister of National Guidance revealed the underlying purpose of the Egyptian troops in the Negev.  The object is to impede the development of the Negev in order to bring about its annexation to Egypt. 

Source: From statement made by Israeli Ambassador Abba Eban before the Security Council of the United Nations on March 23, 1955