25 AUGUST 1973, Page 8

Yours sincerely, Amin

Dear Liz, May I say, I am filled with dismay That to Ottawa I have not been.

I would like to explain Why I wanted a plane From your very fine fleet, my dear Queen.

All the whites got the sack, Now my air-force is black, But they've not learnt their flying routine; So my plane's on the ground Till instructors are found Who know how to fly the machine.

When I asked you in vain For the loan of your plane, I confess that I thought you were mean.

And I felt it was hard To refuse the Scots Guard As my men don't look nearly so clean.

I was also put out, As I've grown a bit stout, And clothes here are stingy and lean; I require generous rig And my feet are quite big, While out here I can't get size thirteen.

So if you'll be my friend Will you please some clothes send?

With much love, Yours sincerely, Amin.

Basil Charles