HC Deb 12 March 1964 vol 691 c636

Dr. Milton Obote, Prime Minister of Uganda, and Mr. Duncan Sandys, British Commonwealth Secretary, had meetings at Entebbe on Monday, 2nd March and Tuesday, 3rd March, at which they discussed matters of common concern to their two countries. Others taking part included Sir David Hunt, British High Commissioner, Air Vice-Marshal Foxley-Norris, the Assistant Chief of British Defence Staff, and Mr. Walsh-Atkins (Commonwealth Relations Office). Dr. Obote was accompanied by the Hon. F. K. Onama, Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. F. Kalimuzo, Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Z. H. K. Bigirwenkya, Permanent Secretary, External Affairs and Mr. Davies. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs. Dr. Obote once again expressed his warm appreciation of the help given to Uganda by British troops during the recent troubles. The situation having returned to normal, it was agreed that their continued presence was no longer necessary and that they could now be withdrawn. They will return to their station in Kenya on Monday the 9th March. Dr. Obote told the Secretary of State that while all the Command Posts in the two battalions are being Ugandanised, his Government hoped that the British Army would be willing to continue to give assistance in various ways to the Uganda Army, including increased training facilities in Britain. On behalf of the British Government, Mr. Sandys agreed that certain British Officers should continue to serve on secondment at Army Headquarters and that Lieut.-Colonel Groom, Second in Command, should temporarily take over the Command of the Uganda Army, until the end of his tour in November. He will replace Colonel Tillet who wishes to return to Britain. The arrangements for the subsequent Command and Headquarters staff will be reviewed in July, in addition, it was agreed that a small number of British Officers and other ranks should he attached to the Uganda Army for training duties. With the agreement of the Kenya Government, arrangements will also be made for the Royal Air Force to provide flying training for Ugandans under the scheme already established in Kenya. Mr. Sandys also undertook to examine the possibility of providing further places for Ugandan Officers in Military training establishments in Britain.

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