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

7. Memorandum of Conversation¹

Washington, July 8, 1977

PARTICIPANTS

• US

  • The Secretary
  • Under Secretary Habib
  • Assistant Secretary Todman
  • Donald Johnson, ARA/CEN (Notetaker)

• Guatemala

  • Foreign Minister Adolfo Molina
  • Ambassador Abundio Maldonado

SUBJECT

• Belize Negotiations

The Secretary congratulated Foreign Minister Molina on his handling of a difficult situation. Molina expressed his appreciation for the help given by the U.S. The Secretary replied that we have done what we could to be helpful.

Molina said that he had built up good relations with Minister Rowlands. The communique which they had agreed upon will help relieve tension to some extent.² Mr. Rowlands had agreed to go to Guatemala to talk to President Laugerud, and would arrive within 10 days. The Secretary said Rowlands’ visit would undoubtedly be helpful. The process of withdrawal of British troops from Belize might possibly proceed from these talks.

The Secretary said we have been assured by the British that they will not take unilateral action on independence. Molina replied that was very good, because many people in Guatemala had feared the British “would spring something on us”.

The Secretary asked Molina his view of the results of the negotiations. Molina replied that they had made a small step forward, but that the two sides were still far apart. Guatemala had tabled a territorial proposal and neither the British nor the Belizeans had rejected it. The Secretary replied that Rowlands had said the Monkey River would be unacceptable. Molina replied that he was not happy with the Moho River, but he did not indicate that the offer was being rejected. He acknowledged that Guatemala must prepare public opinion for territorial compromise. The Secretary said he understood that in addition to territory, there might also be other items in a settlement package. Mr. Habib asked Mr. Molina whether he had asked Mr. Rowlands what he meant when he referred to contribution to Guatemalan economic development. Molina replied that Rowlands had alluded to port facilities but had gone no further.

Assistant Secretary Todman said that as the Belizeans had obtained more international support for their position, they have become less inclined to give anything. The Secretary said there will have to be give on both sides, and asked Mr. Habib for his impressions of his meeting with Price earlier in the day.³ Habib replied that Rowlands has a problem on his hands with the Belizeans. Belizean Premier Price had been anxious to proceed with internationalization of the Belize issue. The Secretary replied this was certainly not the time for such action. Mr. Habib said he and Ambassador Todman had made the same point to Mr. Price. Foreign Minister Molina expressed his appreciation. International pressure could not help the situation at all. It was largely because of international pressure that the latest tensions had arisen. Mr. Habib said his feeling was that our statements to Price had made an impression on him.

The Secretary remarked that he had talked to the Canadian Foreign Minister about the situation, and had told him tension had been reduced somewhat. He commented to Molina that this conversation was indicative of the concern and interest with which many people had been following the Belize situation. Molina replied that we should insure that “accidents” cannot happen, and the Secretary answered that Rowlands’ trip would be a constructive part of this process.

Molina again thanked the Secretary for his involvement and stated that, as he had told Ambassador Todman earlier in the week, he was still “cautiously optimistic” about the course of the negotiations.

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South, Pastor Files, Country Files, Box 24, Belize: 2/77–10/80. Confidential. Drafted by Johnson on July 11. Cleared by Matthews, Todman, and Habib. Approved by Vance. Pastor initialed the top of the memorandum. Neither Habib nor Vance initialed the memorandum. The meeting took place in the Secretary’s office.
2. Telegram 158591 to Belize City and multiple posts, July 8, included the text of the joint communiqué signed by the British and Guatemalan negotiators. Both sides agreed to “take prompt and appropriate measures to decrease tension” and preserve peace in the area. It was also agreed that Rowlands would visit Guatemala to discuss “the next stages in the negotiations.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770242–0550)
3. See Document 8.