PM Transcripts

PRIME IMINISTER i
FOR MEDIA. TUESDAY, 19 AUGUST, 1980 ji-
SIR SERETSE KHAMA
Mr. Speaker, it is with deep regret that I inform the House
of the death on 13 July 1980, of the President of Botswana,
Sir Seretse Khama, and I-move: " That this House records its
sincere regret at the death of Sir Seretse Khama, President
of Botswana, and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family
and to the people of Botswana."
Mr. Speaker, the House will wish to be advised formally that
the Government extended its deep sympathy to the Government
and people of Botswana, and that the Minister for Health
and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister represented Australia
at Sir Seretse Khama's memorial service.
Sir Seretse Khama was a great statesman. It is not often that
the leader of a relatively small country has a larg ' e influence
in the world. Sir Seretse did. Ha was very widely respected,
initially for tChe way he led his country to independence in
1966, then for the way he guided his country with wisdom and
judgement through all difficulties, and not least for his-actions
and counsels over such large international matters as
South Africa and Rhodesia.
Sir Seretse's was always a voice for commonsense and moderation.
Africa and Commonwealth Councils, as well as his own country,
were advantaged by his leadership.
He was a fine and good man, and a staunch friend, whose death
was a great loss not only to Botswana but also to Africa,
the Commonwealth and indeed the international community.
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