ABSTRACT
This phenomenon requires some explanation, since it might appear strange in the light of two other facts: (a) the inimical effect on the economy of the prevailing distribution of land was marked before the 1940’s, and two attempts to stabilize smallholdings-the Five Feddans Law and the sale of state domain-had already ended in failure; and (b) during the ’twenties, agrarian reforms were carried out in many countries of Eastern Europe, and there was the
possibility that the movement might prompt, if not the Egyptian government and its leaders, at least certain circles of Egyptian public opinion, to demand similar action in Egypt, which so desperately needed it.
