January 21, 1998

Journalnummer: 35.M.1997-10

Kontor: StF.1

TO:

Berit and Christian Lovschall

Bolbroholtvej 13

7130 Juelsminde

Denmark

Dear Berit and Christian Lovschall:

On January 6, 1998, the Cuban "charge' d'affaires" in Copenhagen

presented to the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs a note in Spanish,

from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as an answer to the Danish

note from August 1, 1997, regarding the murder of your son.

The following are the main contents of the note:

The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs begins by saying that the

background for the regrettable accident was your son's invasion of an

area which is classified, by the Cuban Ministry of Defense, as an

extremely sensitive military area. The guards in charge have orders to

protect this area. The sidewalk your son was on lies within this area,

which is marked by signs.

Furthermore, it says that your son ignored both of the guard's loud

shouts of warning, as well as the warning shot fired by one guard.

The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the bullets were not

fired singly, but in a volley, a result of an inappropriate handling of

the weapon. It was not the guard's intention to kill, but to prevent a

presumed act of aggression. The guard's purpose in what he did was to

stop the invader's further advance. This was in accordance with current

regulations.

Other conditions contributed to this regrettable development, including

that the incident took place late at night, and that your son was

intoxicated.

In light of the mentioned facts, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs

does not feel that the matter can be treated in the usual manner, but

must be regarded as one individual case. The Cuban authorities feel that

if the already mentioned factors had not played a part, the unfortunate

could have been avoided.

After an analysis and evaluation of the matter, the Cuban authorities

have instituted measures to improve the Cuban Ministry of Defense's

security systems, and remove the factors which gave rise to the

unfortunate.

The note ends with the Cuban authorities expressing their deep sympathy

regarding the unfortunate incident, and their promise of continued

willingness in exchanging viewpoints about the incident.

On behalf of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I would like to

offer our continued assistance, if we can be of help. As the new office

manager for the Consulate office, I also express my deep sympathy.

Sincerely, Eva Janson

FROM:

Eva Janson

Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Asiatisk Plads 2

DK-1448 Kobenhavn K

Denmark

Tlf.: +45 33 92 00 00 - Tlgr.adr.: Etrangeres

Telexnr.: 31292 etr dk - Telefaxnr.: +45 31 54 05 33