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CONFIDENTIAL 17 President Amin said that the dispute between Iran and Iraq had been solved following his visit to Iraq and he thought that he could similarly solve the Arab/ Israeli dispute. He wanted to get in touch with the Israelis through secret channels through the British for he had full information on Arab intentions which would enable the Israelis to be assured of their safety. President Amin asked Mr. Callaghan to tell Dr. Kissinger that the Americans were regarded as friends in Uganda and should re-open their embassy in Kampala. 4. Mr. Callaghan was not required to comment on any of this. When President Amin turned to improving Anglo/Ugandan relations he told Mr. Callaghan that he had established a Commission to handle all aspects of relations. This would be chaired by Mr. Nsnekanabo, the Minister of Public Services and Cabinet Affairs, and include the Acting Minister of Finance, Mr. Oboth-Ofumbi, and the Minister of Home Affairs. The Commission would operate without publicity and there would be no attempt to force the pace of improvement in relations. Mr. Callaghan should send officials to meet the Commission. The Acting British High Commissioner should see the Chairman of the Commission to make arrangements. Mr. Callaghan agreed that teams of officials would go to Uganda to discuss compensation for British citizens, trade and credit terms and spare parts for military equipment. Mr. Callaghan also agreed to consider sending officials to discuss help with the provision of teachers and technical training. 5. President Amin repeated his assurances that he wanted the British to remain in Uganda. Indeed he wanted more Britons to go there there since Uganda had a great need for their skills. In particular he wanted more British lecturers at Makarere University. He referred to the fact that the numbers of Protestant missionaries were being reduced and he thought it important that a balance should be maintained with Roman Catholics and Moslems. He wanted the Christian Missionary Society to stay in Uganda. 6. On arrival at State House, Entebbe, President Amin took the Secretary of State on a short tour of the gardens, during which he pointed out the various shrubs and flowers which had been planted in honour of members of the British Royal Family. Document No. 15 PRESS CONFERENCE AT ENTEBBE AIRPORT, 10 JULY, 1975 Introducing Mr. Hills, Mr. Callaghan said Mr. Hills was feeling a little fatigued and naturally was feeling some emotion. Mr. Hills: I would like to say how genuinely I have loved Uganda during my 12 years here, and still do. As you can see for yourselves it is a very beautiful country, and I am very sorry that I am leaving Uganda but I will never forget this country and the kindness of the people and my pleasure in teaching Ugandan students. Mr. Hills to Mrs. Hills: You look after yourself. Mr. Callaghan was asked what agreements have been reached. Mr. Callaghan said: The President has made a gesture of magnanimity. He did not wish to bargain and no one wished to enter into a bargain over Mr. Hills. And Mr. Hills has been released to me, indeed the Minister has just given me his passport which I will hand back to him at London—he is accompanying me to London. CONFIDENTIAL