LOOKING BACK

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 50 YEARS AGO

More than 8,000 Asians in Uganda now appear to be in grave danger unless they can manage the almost impossible task of leaving the country by noon tomorrow. That is when a new deadline imposed yesterday by General Amin runs out for all Asians who have already been cleared for expulsion. The announcement caused widespread panic among the Asian population and consternation for British officials, who can see little hope of moving out the 8,000 for many days, if not weeks. A broadcast said all Asians must leave Uganda within 48 hours of their completing income tax and exchange control formalities. This was followed by the sinister warning: “Members of the security forces have been directed to ensure that these rules are complied with.”

— September 24 1972

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

Four more countries have entered the race to supply the SA Defence Force with military equipment and arms, all with an exciting array of options. This week Deputy Defence Minister Ronnie Kasrils said Canada, Brazil, Sweden and Italy had joined Britain, Germany, France and possibly Spain in the bidding for the contract worth R10-billion to R15-billion. It is expected that detailed proposals will be ready for a cabinet decision by the end of the year or early next year. Kasrils says that all the offers are extremely favourable in terms of equipment and loan facilities and that a decision will have to be made soon or “they (the bidders) are bound to lose interest”. Although the French bid was made in May, details of the offer have only now become available. September 21 1997 —