HC Deb 15 November 1948 vol 458 cc23-4
36. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a further statement on the claim by Guatemala to territory in British Honduras.

Mr. McNeil

I am afraid that in spite of every effort by His Majesty's Government, we are no nearer to a settlement of this dispute. The controversy involves a legal claim which the Guatemalan Government have themselves put forward as such. His Majesty's Government, therefore, take the line that the first thing that must be done is to have this claim settled by means of a decision by the International Court of Justice. For this purpose they empowered that Court, over two and a half years ago, to deal with any claims concerning British Honduras. Unfortunately, however, the Guatemalan Government state that they are not prepared to agree to the Hague Court adjudicating the case on its legal merits. Instead, they recently suggested mediation by the United States Government. His Majesty's Government would be prepared to accept mediation in suitable cases, but in the present instance, as the claim against them is a purely legal one, they must insist on the legal issue being properly determined.

Mr. Gammans

Have the Government made it perfectly clear that they repudiate in toto this impudent claim?

Mr. McNeil

The Government have made it perfectly plain that this is a legal claim which it is appropriate should be submitted to the International Court.

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