The RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, has said he would order a fresh independent inquiry into the killing of the Belfast solicitor, Mr Pat Finucane, 10 years ago, if evidence of RUC collusion in the murder came to light.
Sir Ronnie's comments came following a new investigation opened by the Assistant Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Mr John Stevens.
"If evidence is found that would support an inquiry and that is submitted to the British government, then that is a proposal I would support," the Chief Constable said.
There have been mounting calls for a fresh independent inquiry into the murder of Mr Finucane, who was shot dead by the Ulster Freedom Fighters in 1989, since the emergence of fresh evidence earlier this year.
Mr Stevens, who carried out a similar investigation in the immediate aftermath of the killing, was called to the North again after a report by British-Irish Rights Watch claimed the gunmen were pawns of British military intelligence.
Sir Ronnie insisted he wanted a thorough review of the case, which he said had already caused too much pain and suffering. "It is dreadful for the families, first and foremost, but I think we can expect a thorough investigation. Of course, I want this cleared up as soon as possible," he added.
British and Irish government officials will meet this week to discuss the mounting demands for an independent inquiry into Mr Finucane's murder.
The North's security minister, Mr Adam Ingram, last week acknowledged that the case was a matter of public concern, which had increased after the murder of the Lurgan solicitor, Ms Rosemary Nelson, last month.
"The Northern Secretary, Dr Mowlam, has said publicly she has not ruled out such an inquiry, but while consideration is being given to the report on the case, which Dr Mowlam received at a meeting with Mr Finucane's widow in February, no decision can be made," he added.
Mr Ingram said a new inquiry at this stage would run the serious risk of prejudicing the investigation and possible prosecutions.
Commenting on the investigation into Ms Nelson's murder, the security minister said it was the professional judgment of all the officers brought in to assist the RUC that the force's involvement in the inquiry was essential because of local knowledge and intelligence.