Foreign Relations of the United States 1977–1980; Volume XV; Central America, 1977–1980

25. Memorandum of Conversation¹

Washington, February 3, 1978, 10 a.m.

SUBJECT

• Belize

PARTICIPANTS

• GUATEMALA

  • Dr. Adolfo Molina Orantes, Foreign Minister
  • Brig. General Luis Rene Mendoza Palomo
  • Dr. Jorge Skinner-Klee
  • Ambassador Jorge Lamport

• U.S.

  • The Secretary
  • John Bushnell, Deputy Assistant Secretary
  • Lee Marks, Deputy Legal Advisor
  • Linda Pfeifle, ARA/CEN (notetaker)

Foreign Minister Molina said he was rather discouraged and very disappointed. The negotiations were going backwards. Rowlands had explained that Price was adamant on territory. Now the British were talking of another river, the Temash. The Temash River was out of the question; even the former proposal would be difficult to sell in Guatemala. The British also wanted to exclude the Ranguana cays. They thought they had an agreement. The draft treaty was mostly agreed on and now was reopened.

Mr. Bushnell inquired if Rowlands emphasized one village (Barranco) and the Secretary asked if the Guatemalans could take care of that problem. Molina responded that they did not think the village was a big problem. Mr. Skinner-Klee said that the inhabitants of Barranco were black Caribs descended from slaves who speak Arawak. They are different from Belizean urban blacks, but similar to other Arawak-speaking Caribs found on the Central American coast. The Secretary asked if Barranco could be carved out of the territorial package? Molina stated he did not like enclaves; this type of problem always appears when territorial arrangements are discussed.

The Secretary noted that territorial questions were always the most difficult. Molina agreed and said the inhabitants could be given a choice similar to the formula used when there was a boundary adjustment with Mexico. The villages were given one year to choose between Guatemalan and Mexican citizenship and all property rights were respected.

The Secretary asked what the problem was with the treaty. Molina explained he was disturbed that discussion of the treaty was reopened. After two years of lengthy discussions they had reached an agreement on most of the treaty which deals with security, foreign policy and economic integration. The Guatemalans were very concerned about the security of the area since Belize is their boundary with the Caribbean. Once the British leave, there will be a vacuum and they fear that others might move in, maybe Cubans. Molina said Rowlands asked them to ponder the problem of Belizean objection to the security provision. The Guatemalans asked him for suggestions of alternative ways of dealing with the problem. They can not dispense with the provision on defense unless there is an acceptable alternative. The Secretary suggested that there were alternative solutions.

Molina said the Belizeans did not like the term economic integration which to them means absorption into Guatemala. What the Guatemalans meant by economic integration was the type of arrangements they now have with the rest of Central America. They are convinced Belize is part of Central America, and could be incorporated into Central American organizations and still maintain its ties with the Caribbean. Regardless, Belize should have close ties with Guatemala. Mr. Bushnell suggested the Guatemalans explore the economic provisions which were troublesome to Belize which perceives itself as Caribbean. Molina replied that they do not care if Belize joins the Central American Common Market. Skinner-Klee added that economic integration was not a problem. Guatemala was still flexible on that issue.

Molina mentioned that there was an active publicity campaign, particularly in the London press. Bushnell explained it had been sparked by an unfortunate leak in the Manchester Guardian planted by a group in New York. Molina said this was giving the Foreign Office political problems. Callaghan and Owen had made fair statements in Parliament. Price had said there was oil in the area under discussion. But the Guatemalans believe if there were, the British would not leave.

Molina concluded that the important factor in his talks with Rowlands was that no one slammed the door.

The Secretary told Molina that he saw his point on the Temash, but suggested he think of how to deal with the village of Barranco and look for alternative security arrangements.

Molina said time was running out for the Guatemalan administration (term ends June 30). They want a solution before they leave office, if an honorable solution were possible. But a narrow strip is unacceptable. Mr. Skinner-Klee said new talks would be held three to five days after Rowlands sends his new suggestions through the British Consul in Guatemala. He added there was the feeling the British were trying to walk away, the atmosphere was negative. The Secretary noted the British had run into unforeseen obstacles. He encouraged Molina to think about the problem of Barranco and to consider alternative security arrangements. It would be a shame to let the possibility of solution slip away. Molina agreed.

The Secretary asked if they had worked out the economic package. Molina responded that for the first time Rowlands mentioned a specific figure of $15 to $20 million. That was not enough. It would cost a minimum of $50 million to pave the road which was necessary for the economic integration of Guatemala and Belize.

Molina said Rowlands had suggested that a mediator might not be needed, but Guatemala insisted on it. The Secretary noted that it would be difficult to get anyone to take on the job unless there were already substantial agreement. No U.S. Government official could be appointed—only a private American. Molina understood and said it was necessary in Guatemala to have an American mediator with the prestige and backing of the U.S. Government to sell the solution.

The Secretary asked Molina to think about the problem raised by Rowlands and said he would talk to the British.

Molina thanked the Secretary for all he had done and extended President Laugerud’s invitation to him to visit Guatemala. The Secretary thanked Molina and noted his schedule was very full.

General Mendoza asked the Secretary about the commercial sale of some spare parts for military vehicles which had been requested in August.² The Secretary asked Mr. Bushnell for a report on the case.³

1. Source: Department of State, Office of the Secretariat Staff, Cyrus R. Vance, Secretary of State, 1977–1980, Lot 84D241, Nodis 1978 Memorandum of Conversation for Secretary Vance. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Pfeifle; cleared by Bushnell; approved by Anderson on February 21. The meeting took place in the Secretary’s office.
2. Not found.
3. Not found.