◆ SpookStack

in the past to believe that Her Majesty would be more inclined .than Her Ministers to have dealings with him and it would be worthwhile demonstrating the fallacy of this. His interventions in world affairs are known to be a source of embarrassment to other African leaders who face the prospect of his assuming the Presidency of the OAU in June of this year. They could be expected to appreciate a firm reply from us. Above all, it is just possible, even if unlikely, that if no reply is sent, he will turn up at Heathrow on 4 August, with embarrassments that are hideous to contemplate. The only possible objection which we see to the delivery to General Amin of a reply turning down his proposal, is that he might see fit to retaliate against our High Commission and/or the British Community. This is unlikely, but we think that our Acting High Commissioner should be given discretion to withhold the reply if he feels that the risk is a serious one. The reports which we have received and which Mr. Wakhweya has confirmed, of Uganda's approaching economic bankruptcy, indicate that there is little risk of our reply damaging our commercial or compensation interests. The Palace have been consulted and agree that whilst it should be made clear to General Amin that Her Majesty has received his message, it would be inappropriate for her to become directly involved in an exchange on this subj ect. I attach a draft telegram which, if the Prime Minister agrees, we would send to our High Commissioner. (R.N. Dales)