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

223. Telegram 1614 From the Embassy in Guatemala to the Department of State¹

Guatemala City, February 26, 1976, 0140Z.

1614. Subject: Secretary’s Meeting with President of Guatemala: Belize Dispute.

1. At the conclusion of private conversation between President Laugerud and Secretary Feb 24, they were joined by Assistant Secretary Rogers and Ambassador Meloy. Secretary told Assistant Secretary and Ambassador that President Laugerud had explained his views on Belize and the probable reactions of Guatemala should the UK grant independence to Belize unilaterally. President noted that Guatemala hoped to resume talks with the UK in the near future, perhaps in March, but remained deeply concerned that UK might at any time initiate process of independence for Belize prior to reaching a negotiated solution with Guatemala. Ambassador added that Foreign Minister had told him GOG intends to approach the UK in early March with a view to setting a date for the talks to resume in April, after Easter.

2. Secretary said that UK is not going to act until proposed talks with GOG have run their course. The President interjected that he hoped so. Secretary suggested President not rush the resumption of negotiations. Guatemala should wait until late April or even May before resuming talks. This is no time for a showdown. Guatemala is in no condition to face a breakdown of negotiations. It would therefore be better to postpone them as long as possible. Under the circumstances this would not be regarded as an indication of weakness.

3. Secretary continued that U.S. will not try to force the UK to do anything and is not rpt not going to mediate the dispute, but we will use our good offices. The Secretary said he will speak to the British. We will try to encourage the British to find a negotiated solution.

4. The Secretary said that during his conversation with the President the President had indicated in confidence he did not expect to get from the British all that Guatemala was asking. The President confirmed this, saying that Guatemala, however, must start out with a good bargaining position.

Meloy

1. Summary: During a February 24 meeting in Guatemala City, Secretary Kissinger, President Laugerud, Assistant Secretary Rogers, and Ambassador Meloy discussed the Belize dispute.

   Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, 1974–77, Country Files, Guatemala—State Department Telegrams, To SECSTATE—NODIS. Confidential; Immediate; Nodis. In telegram 1628 from Guatemala City, February 26, 1910Z, the Embassy reported that in an earlier discussion with Molina Orantes en route from the Meeting of Foreign Ministers in San José, Kissinger had indicated that the U.S. would not mediate the dispute, but would “speak to the British and urge them to seek a solution that would be mutually acceptable.” (Ibid.) In telegram 2423 from Guatemala City, March 26, the Embassy reported that McQuillan had informed them that the British and Guatemalan Governments had agreed to resume talks on the Belize issue on April 26 and 27. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760115–0082)