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

220. Telegram 62 From the Embassy in Guatemala to the Department of State¹

Guatemala City, January 6, 1976, 2330Z.

62. Subj: FonMin Comments on Future Negotiations.

1. (Begin Unclassified) Reports of Belizean Premier Price’s trip to London prompted local newsmen to query FonMin Molina January 5 about future negotiations. FonMin quoted saying “talks over the Belize issue could be resumed in the coming months, but for this (to take place), even though it was not an express condition during the talks which were held with British representatives in Guatemala, Great Britain should withdraw the troops it has garrisoned in Belize, (which) were recently relieved by fresh troops. The English representatives offered their good offices to achieve this, but evidently their efforts have not achieved results, and the troops remain in that Guatemalan territory; therefore we are waiting.”

2. Press January 6 carries AFP story from London on beginning of Price’s consultations. One portion of story, after describing British reinforcements in Belize, says, “it is possible that British Government might remove a part of these troops before or during the negotiations with Guatemala, in order to demonstrate its good will, observers here believe. The experts pointed out that since that time (when reinforcements were sent in) there have been no border incidents . . .” (End Unclassified)

3. (Begin Confidential) British Consul McQuillan told EmbOffs January 5 he had no indication HMG was giving any consideration to even partial withdrawal of reinforcements from Belize. (Nevertheless, such consideration may be underway if AFP report of FonOff “observers” view is accurate.) Nor had he received any proposals to convey to GOG re starting date or place for resumed talks. When EmbOffs said Foreign Minister’s remarks indicate GOG will not agree to resume negotiations until some gesture in direction of lessening British military presence in Belize is made, McQuillan agreed. He pointed out he has always felt that GOG’s first preference is no resolution of Belize problem, no change in status quo on grounds this is least of evils. We agreed this may be GOG preference, but we had impression status quo no longer acceptable to UK. McQuillan (please protect) said however much HMG might desire resolve Belize issue, GOG had Britain over a barrel. Unilateral resolution would require a defense guarantee and McQuillan does not believe HMG is prepared to give one.

4. McQuillan noted that GOG had not initiated the confidential exchange of military information in which it had expressed interest during Rowlands visit. He had informed Guatemalan FonOff of routine rotation of some British units in Belize, to which Molina statement referred, and had asked whether GOG wished exchange information of this kind. Guatemalan FonOff official said it was a good idea but McQuillan had heard nothing further.

Meloy

1. Summary: During a meeting with Embassy officials, British Consul McQuillan indicated that he was unaware of any plans for even a partial drawdown of troops in Belize, despite the Guatemala’s Foreign Minister’s public request that the British Government withdraw its troops from Belize.

   Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760005–0669. Confidential. Repeated Priority to Belize City, London, San Salvador, Managua, San José, Tegucigalpa, Panama City, and USCINCSO. In telegram 28 from Belize City, January 13, Gawf reported that Premier Price had told him he had traveled to London “to discuss the defense and economic development of Belize, i.e., how to give effect to the terms of the UNGA resolution.” (Ibid., D760012–0650) In telegram 384 from Guatemala City, January 20, the Embassy reported that McQuillan had told the Guatemalan Foreign Minister that the UK would agree to give “early and favorable consideration” to reduce its forces in Belize only if Guatemala agreed to a definite date for resuming negotiations. (Ibid., D760022–0453) In telegram 593 from Guatemala City, January 29, the Embassy reported that the Guatemalan Government indicated it had agreed with the UK to resume negotiations on February 9. (Ibid., D760034–0896) In airgram A–14 from Guatemala City, February 3, the Embassy reported that under pressure from the MLN, the Guatemalan Government had reluctantly agreed to permit an officially sanctioned demonstration by a group in favor of reincorporating Belize into Guatemala. (Ibid., P760018–2097)