◆ SpookStack

Prom: Ttt Si:<.R!-;T\Ky HOME OFFICE W HIT E H A b L S \V i A 2 A P 27 May 1977 PRESIDENT AMIN You will remember my letter yesterday mentioned the possibility of opening the COBR to deal with the landing of two non-routine Boeing 707 flights from Uganda to Stan&ted on 29 May. Further information cugges*"? that the flights will not have any sinister sigr.ificance. The aircraft are booked to fly on to the United States the next day to pick up a consignment of equipment which is thereafter to be taken to Uganda. The handling agents at Stansted are being co-operative with the police in their enquiries about the cargo for the flights. This intelligence, taken together with the FCO report of President, Amin's reaction to the delivery of the Prime Minister's message, has led us to believe that the balance of probability is in favour of Sunday's flights being (for these purposes) innocent. Accordingly, it is not now proposed to open the COBR or to move infantry ground troops within half an hour's driving distance of Stansted. However, all concerned remain in a high state of alert and, if our assessment of the flights' purpose changes, the original plans can be restored at very short notice. I am sending copies of this letter to Ewen Fergusson (FCO), Roger Facer (Defence), Martyn Baker (Trade), Norman Shanks (Scottish Office) and Martin Vile (Cabinet Office). R. M. MORRIS Patrick Wright, Esq.