Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–5, Part 1, Documents on Sub-Saharan Africa, 1969–1972

245. Telegram 27102 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Uganda¹ ²

Washington, February 17, 1971, 0126Z

SUBJECT:

• US/Ugandan Relations

REF:

• (A) Kampala 641; (B) State 19295 (C) State 25475

1. Department shares Embassyʼs view (ref A) that it now desirable further strengthen informal contacts with new Ugandan Government. However, we wish delay formal public actions, e.g. exchanging Apollo 14 messages or signing agreements, that might be publicly interpreted in manner that could prejudice African acceptance of new Ugandan Government or in any way add to problems threatening future of East African Community.

2. USG encouraged by evidence that, with exception Tanzania, countries initially most active in backing Obote now appear to be moving more cautiously. We continue believe moderate African states, particularly Congo(K), Ethiopia and Kenya, can be most effective in fostering acceptance new GOU if latter not too closely identified with non-African powers. USG therefore particularly desires avoid any formal actions on eve February 26 OAU Ministerial Meetinq in Addis Ababa.

3. At same time, we agree with Embassy that we should make clear to new Ugandan Government that USG welcomes its gestures of friendship and looks forward to carrying on diplomatic relations in fullest sense at earliest appropriate moment. USG position this regard clear from press statement (ref B).

4. Subject your further views, suggest you seek appointment FonMin Kibedi to convey essence above and say you instructed to review orally with him and other appropriate GOU officials such outstanding matters as Lincoln School problem, National War College visit, AID participant trainees, AID project agreements and AID bilateral so that agreements can be concluded following OAU meeting when we assume African attitudes towards GOU will have been satisfactorily resolved. (Presume Embassy has now received approved bilateral text forwarded AIDTO A–4, Jan. 21.)

5. Department also plans, prior OAU meeting, to seek appropriate occasion in Addis Ababa, Kinshasa and Nairobi to advise respective governments of USGʼs position on relations with GOU.

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL Uganda-US. Confidential. Drafted by Kinter (AF/E); cleared in AF/C, L/AF, AF/E, AID/AFR/ESA, AID/AFR/GC, A/OS, and by Moore; and approved by Newsom.
2. The Department agreed with the Embassyʼs view, but wanted to delay formal public actions that might prejudice African acceptance of the new Ugandan Government or in any way add to problems threatening the future of the East African community.