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Our own relations with Amin remain in the state of "convalescence" reached following Mr. Callaghan's visit there in July. Official talks in September made some progress and we hope they will be resumed next month or in the New Year. Apart from one outburst at the United Nations, Amin has been restrained in his references to us. However with the Russians in bad odour we have become his friends again. It is apparent from Hennessy's telegram that even Mr. Hills' book "The White Pumpkin" which caused all the trouble last summer and is to be published virtually uncut on 20 November is, for the moment at least, not causing him any difficulty in his relations with us. Indeed he was very friendly towards Hennessy however embarrassing his attentions may prove to be. Against this background we think it would do no harm to send a short but friendly reply particularly when to send no reply might prompt him to change his volatile mind about his reaction to "The White Pumpkin". Moreover the message is about Angola on which, for once, our views are closely in line with those Amin expresses formally as Chairman of the OAU. We have followed a consistent policy of non-intervention in Angola; we have little means of bringing influence to bear. However our stance of not recognising either of the claimant regimes accords closely with the OAU line. Mr. Ennals has publicly wished the OAU well in its attempts to bring the parties together. Mr. Callaghan therefore considers that we should send a courteous but short reply to President Amin's message and I attach a draft for the Prime Minister's consideration in the form of a draft telegram. I (R.N. Dales) CONFIDENTIAL