§ 22. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on the murder of Mr. Nicholas Love in Botswana.
§ Mr. RowlandsWe have been in close touch with the Botswana Government about this tragic incident. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister held talks with President Khama on 17th May during his visit here. The Prime Minister expressed the deep concern felt in this country about the incident involving the tragic death of Nicholas Love. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that the full facts became known.
President Khama told my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister that he also deeply regreted the death of Nicholas Love and assured him that he was satisfied that Mr. Love had not been involved in any illegal or subversive activities. He explained that police investigations in Botswana had been completed and that a report had been submitted to the Attorney-General, who would ensure that criminal proceedings were instituted against anyone shown to have acted improperly. My right hon. Friend is sure the House shares his satisfaction that the good name of Nicholas Love has been vindicated. We welcome the President's assurance that normal Botswanan legal proceedings will be followed in this case.