This file explores correspondence between Idi Amin and the Queen, including an invitation to join the 10th anniversary celebrations of Uganda’s independence. Dated 10th January 1972. (FCO 57/401)
Transcript
State House
Entebbe
Uganda
Confidential
10th January 1972
Your Majesty,
It is with great pleasure that I take the opportunity of writing to you to wish you a Happy New Year and a very successful 1972. The past year has seen a great deal of fruitful cooperation and understanding between your Government and mine, and between the people of Great Britain and the Republic of Uganda. It is my wish and desire that this good relationship continues with greater strength in the coming year.
I should like here to place on record on behalf of myself, my government and the people of Uganda our deep appreciation for the good work that your subjects have been doing in Uganda over the years and for assistance that your government has rendered to Uganda, especially in 1971. I am confident that with the good will and understanding of friendly nations like yours, the big problems that we face in this country will be overcome successfully.
I should here like to inform Your Majesty that the Republic of Uganda will be celebrating her 10th Anniversary of Independence on 9th October, 1972. It would do my Government and my country a great honour if your Majesty could grace these celebrations, which will be special to us, with your presence, in the company of your husband and the rest of your family. I have no doubt that such a visit would go a long way towards strengthening the bonds of friendship that already exist between your Country and ours.
It is my hope that Your Majesty will be disposed to accept our invitation, in which case we shall be happy to send you a detailed programme for the approval of yourself and your officers.
Allow me, to renew to Your Majesty, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem.
Yours Very Sincerely
General Idi Amin Dada
President of the Republic of Uganda.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London,SW