Scent of Eucalyptus: A Journal of Colonial and Foreign Service

Book Description
Richard Posnett's first post in the Colonial Service was in Uganda. These were times of rapid change for the British Empire in Africa with independence for Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia; the tragedy of the Belgian Congo, and the uprising of Hutus against Tutsis in Rwanda. The baptism by fire in Uganda was followed by an appointment as a member of the UK delegation at the UN, and then as Commissioner in Anguilla at the time of the attempted independence from St Kitts. After further service as Governor during the British-Honduras dispute, followed by Ocean Island, possibly the most stimulating assignment was the author’s return to Uganda after the fall of Idi Amin following his disastrous war with Tanzania.


About the Author
Richard N. Posnett, after a spell in Bermuda, returned to his birthplace, India, to complete a full circle of service.

Lord David Owen is a former British foreign secretary, founding member and leader of the Social Democratic Party and UN special envoy to Bosnia.



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"Sent to Africa during the war, Richard Posnett gives a graphic account of life and work as a District Officer at a remote outpost in Uganda, dealing with sleeping sickness, murder and marauding elephants, exploring the Congo and climbing the Ruwenzori mountains." The Scent of Eucalyptus offers intriguing insights into the colonial and diplomatic worlds in post war years, and an informed assessment of Britain's colonial record based on the author's personal experience.


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