Amin expels U.S. Embassy guards

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33370, 31 October 1973, Page 17

Amin expels U.S. Embassy guards

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) NAIROBI, October 29. The Uganda military Government has ordered the six United States Marine Corps guards at the United States Embassy in Kampala to leave the country within 48 hours, on the ground that they are “engaged in subversive activities.”

A United States Embassy spokesman has declined to comment on the order, which was broadcast by the official Uganda radio service, and presented by the Foreign Ministry the to United States Charge d’Affaires (Mr Robert Kelley). Other diplomatic sources speculate that the expulsion may lead to the virtual closing of the embassy, and even to a complete break in relations. The radio, listing the names of the six marines assigned to security duties at the embassy, said that President Amin had given them until 4 a.m. on Thursday, New Zealand time, to Ipave Uganda. The allegations against the marines have not been spelled out: the broadcast simply said that the guards were, in any case, not needed at the embassy, since the Uganda Government assumed responsibility for the security of everyone in Uganda. General Amin, a Moslem who has expelled all Israelii

diplomats from his country, has intensified pressure against Americans there because of United States support for Israel in the Middle East war. Having threatened to imprison all Americans, including diplomats, if United States soldiers took a shooting role in the war. General Amin warned Ugandans against a possible invasion by Israeli, American, and British paratroopers who, he said, were out to assassinate him at any moment. United States Embassy officials advised about 240 American missionaries, teachers, and businessmen 10 days ago to leave Uganda in the interests of their safety. The embassy also began what it called “a temporary evacuation” of diplomatic families, many of them going to Nairobi.

About half of the 37 American diplomats and dependants are already out of Uganda, but only about 20 of the private American citizens are reported to have Heft.