Alex Salmond 'begged' leading world figures to support Lockerbie decision The Scottish Government last night argued Mr Salmond was "perfectly entitled" to drum up support for the release of Britain's worst mass murderer. However, opposition parties described the lobbying operation as a "cynical exercise" and an "insult" to the families of the bomber's 270 victims. Megrahi, who was terminally ill, was supposed to die within three months but returned to Libya to a hero's welcome before living a further two years and nine months. He eventually passed away in May this year. The former Libyan secret agent was the only man convicted of blowing up Pan Am Flight 103 over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in December 1988. Jackson Carlaw, Scottish Tory deputy leader, said: "His correspondence highlights the sheer desperation of the SNP in touting for approval for a move it knew would be both unpopular and derided. Begging leading global figures for a ringing endorsement is at best embarrassing, at worst crude and insensitive. In a recent interview, Mr Salmond described Megrahi's release and the hero's welcome the bomber received in Libya as his lowest moment in office. The documents disclose his officials wrote to Mr Mandela a week later. The letter stated the decision to free the bomber "has been the source of considerable international reaction, some opposing the decision and many others expressing strong support for it." But it said Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Minister, was not influenced by political, diplomatic or economic considerations in deciding to release the bomber. It highlighted the former South African president's "absolutely crucial" role in ensuring the bomber was handed over for trial and noted that Mr Mandela had "taken a close personal interest in the case," visiting Megrahi in prison in 2002. "It would be very helpful if Mr Mandela was able to issue a public statement outlining his views on the decision of the Scottish Justice Secretary to release Mr Al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds," it said. Mr Mandela's office replied he did not want "to be involved in public issues any longer" but confirmed the decision to free the bomber was "in line with his wishes." The first two paragraphs of the letter to Archbishop Tutu were identical, while later references to Mr Mandela's involvement were removed and replaced with a sentence highlighting Archbishop Tutu's "long-standing humanitarian concerns." His office agreed to help but Stuart Nicolson, one of Mr Salmond's spin doctors, sent an internal e-mail stating: "He backs us, but not the best quote as you'll see..." The statement approved by Archbishop Tutu's office said the First Minster, not Mr MacAskill had freed the bomber but added: "I see nothing wrong with that decision. Indeed he has to be commended. A Scottish Government spokeswoman said Mr Salmond "was perfectly entitled to seek support at home and abroad for this decision which was supported by some, including some relatives of Lockerbie victims, and opposed by others."