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CONFIDENTIAL 7 Mr. Callaghan explained that in spite of their title, the Crown Agents were an independent commercial organisation. But he would be willing to suggest to them that they send a team. 8. Mr. Bula again emphasised Zaire's readiness to help and thought that it would be better for the time being if she continued as mediator. Mr. Callaghan asked why Mr. Bula thought that Amin would keep his word. Mr. Bula replied that Amin would be OAU Chairman for 12 to 18 months. He would keep his word for fear of affronting Africa and President Mobutu in particular. Mr. Callaghan asked whether President Mobutu would be prepared to give a public assurance about the future of British subjects in Uganda. Mr. Bula thought not. Mr. Callaghan asked what he should do therefore when in Kampala he explained to Britons that he had President Mobutu's word that all was well and the Britons pointed out that President Mobutu was in Zaire not Uganda. Mr. Bula said there would be no more trouble. Amin now had too much at stake. 9. Mr. Callaghan then mentioned that Amin had made a practice of berating Mr. Hennessy at audiences attended by Press and television. Britain could not accept this behaviour. If it happened again the High Commission would be withdrawn. Mr. Bula advised against raising this matter with President Amin. This was a matter to be left in Zairian hands. Perhaps arrangements could be made to ensure that Mr. Hennessy kept in close touch with the Zairian Government through the British Ambassador in Kinshasa. Mr. Callaghan mentioned that he would be seekmg assurances about consular access to those Britons who might be arrested in future. Mr. Bula thought that this was normal. 10. Mr. Callaghan said that in conclusion he wanted to emphasise to the Zairian side that when he visited Kampala there could be no love-feast. He would be polite and courteous but there would be no warmth. It would take some time before any warmth could be restored to relations. Britain would have to see how things went but with Zaire's help there could perhaps be an improvement. He was however sceptical. How for instance would Mr. Bula deal with a man who sent a message to The Queen, saying that he would be arriving on a particular date and asking Her to ensure that he got enough food and could visit Wales and Scotland whose people he supported in their fight against the English? Mr. Bula said he could hardly comment! 11. As Mr. Callaghan was leaving Mr. Bula again emphasised the importance of establishing machinery to keep the High Commission in Kampala in close touch with the Embassy in Kinshasa so that the Zairians could be kept informed about any problems being experienced in Uganda. Document No. 4 KINSHASA TELEGRAM No. 257 OF 8 JULY, 1975, TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE: SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT Following from Private Secretary. The following points emerged from Secretary of State's meeting this evening with Zaire Foreign Minister: (a) In spite of the Secretary of State's expressed scepticism the Minister remained confident that Amin genuinely wished to establish normal relations with the British. CONFIDENTIAL 160342 B*2