Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–11, Part 1, Documents on Mexico; Central America; and the Caribbean, 1973–1976

218. Briefing Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rogers) to Secretary of State Kissinger¹

Washington, November 20, 1975.

Belize Dispute—State of Play

Tempers have cooled a bit and the danger of war has receded somewhat. The UK’s Ted Rowlands will be going to Guatemala on November 27 to make a try at reopening negotiations. The Guatemalans want to keep the visit quiet and the British have agreed.

Amidst a great burst of last minute maneuvering by the Mexicans, including an Echeverria visit to Guatemala and a Rabasa visit to Belize, the UN’s Fourth Committee will vote tomorrow on the various Belize resolutions. The UK-Caribbean version calling for self-determination and eventual independence for Belize should pass overwhelmingly. The Guatemalan resolution will be defeated. There is a possibility the Mexican “compromise” may pass by a slim margin and thus leave the UN with having passed two somewhat conflicting resolutions (certainly not a precedent).

Echeverria’s foray into Guatemala last weekend served only to further cloud the waters. He reversed an earlier stand and refused to support the Guatemalans. The Guatemalan press then carried the headline, “Echeverria tricked us.”

Ambassador Meloy’s latest assessment is that the GOG will not go to war after the UN vote. GOG President Laugerud has said that as long as there is no “unilateral resolution” on Belize (a UK grant of independence), he will continue to negotiate. However, given the emotionally charged atmosphere resulting from a UN defeat, it may be difficult for the Guatemalans to begin negotiations immediately.

1. Summary: In a report on the state of play on Belize, Assistant Secretary Rogers noted that the danger of war had receded somewhat as both the British and the Guatemalans moved to re-open negotiations.

   Source: National Archives, RG 59, ARA/CEN Files, Lot 78D110, Guatemala 1975, Briefing Papers. Secret. Drafted by Platt in ARA/CEN. Kissinger initialed the memorandum. The Embassy reported on Echeverría’s visit in telegram 6406 from Guatemala City, November 14. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, D750397–0651) Defense Intelligence Note DIADIN 3125B–75, December 1, noted that although the Rowlands visit had resulted in a commitment by both governments to resume negotiations over Belize in February, “the positions of both parties remain far apart.” (Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–78 A 0058, B 1975)