Making Friends in Cairo

Bert Fish with Sir Miles Lampson and Lady Lampson at the investiture of King Farouk I.

British High Commissioner Sir Miles Lampson (standing), Lady Lampson, and Bert Fish at the Investiture of King Farouk I.

Lampson wrote in his personal diaries of his fondess for "the American Minister" even though their political objectives were sometimes at odds. He described Fish as cheerful and pleasant.

As the highest ranking representative of the United States government in Egypt, part of Fish's role was to attend a variety of events among the Egyptian leadership and elite, including state ceremonies, dinner parties, performances, and athletic competitions. Among the most historically significant events during his tenure, Fish attended the funeral procession of King Fuad I in 1936, and a year later, the investiture of Fuad's son, King Farouk I. It was also common for Bert Fish to formally call upon dignitaries, or to receive them as guests.

Bert Fish attended the funeral procession of Fuad I, Modern Egypt's first king.

Invitation to a Banquet in Honor of King Farouk I

Formal invitation, in French, to the investiture ceremony of King Farouk I.

Despite British influence, French was the dominant foreign language in Egypt beginning in the latter half of the nineteenth century, and was used as a lingua franca among foreigners. As a a result, many official documents, as well as some Cairo newspapers, were written in French.

Program for the investiture of King Farouk I. Farouk succeeded his father, King Fuad I, during Fish's tenure as Minister.

Bert Fish attends a fencing tournament in the company of several high-ranking royals and elites, including King Farouk I

Bert Fish calls on Prime Minister Mostafa el-Nahhas Pasha

Such occasions were essential to Fish's work as a diplomat, as they provided opportunities for making vital contacts among Egyptian leaders and private citizens, as well as American politicians, expatriates, and visitors. Such networking was crucial to Fish's success, as it facilitated informal communication and information gathering.

Ticket to a performance at Abdine Palance

Menu for a banquet in honor of the Iranian Prime Minister

Invitation to a banquet at Cairo's Saffron Palace

Ticket to a performance at Abdine Palace

Program for a performance at Abdine Palace

Making Friends in Cairo

From Bedford to Lisbon: The Life of Bert Fish