213. Telegram 260729 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Guatemala1

260729. Subject: British Reinforce Belize.

1. In conversation November 4 with Counselor of Department Sonnenfeldt, UK Ambassador Ramsbotham advised that British are reinforcing Belize garrison. Ramsbotham left note giving details. Reinforcements will consist of approximately 500 men, including low-level air defenses for Belize airport, and 6 Harrier vertical-takeoff fighters. Reinforcements will start to arrive and may be completed on November 4. UK Con Gen Guatemala McQuillan will advise GOG of this move on November 4 and attempt to allay Guatemalan suspicions, tying reinforcement to recent Guatemalan moves.

2. Ramsbotham also expressed hope that USG, through Ambassador Meloy, could be helpful in again urging forebearance on GOG. Note suggested optimal timing for this démarche would be shortly after McQuillan has delivered his news.

3. Sonnenfeldt advised Ramsbotham that he would report the British request. Instructions follow.

Kissinger
  1. Summary: British Ambassador Ramsbotham advised Counselor Sonnenfeldt that the British Government was reinforcing its garrison in Belize.

    Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750382–0846. Secret; Flash; Exdis. Repeated Immediate to Belize City, USUN, London, and USCINCSO. In telegram 6147 from Guatemala City, November 4, the Embassy reported that McQuillan planned to deliver an aide mémoire to the Guatemalan Government on 4:30 p.m. that day. (Ibid., D750383–0203) In telegram 6124 from Guatemala City, November 4, the Embassy noted that the press had quoted Laugerud as stating, “We will not accept, we cannot tolerate a British rape or humiliation. As Guatemalans we will respond like men in [the] face of a situation in which the British wish to corner us . . . If they want to humiliate us, the matter could become more serious than they expect.” (Ibid., D750382–1014)