HL Deb 01 August 1978 vol 395 cc1194-5

2.50 p.m.

Lord REIGATE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how Her Majesty's Government are presently represented in Guatemala; and whether there are any proposals for enhancing the status of that representation.

The MINISTER of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government have been represented in Guatemala by a Consul since Guatemala broke off diplomatic relations in 1963. We are engaged in negotiations with the object of resolving our differences with Guatemala. We hope that a settlement will lead to a resumption of diplomatic relations.

Lord REIGATE

My Lords, does that mean that the status quo is maintained and that there is no change in the representation?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, that is the position. It has been the position since 1963. Until there is agreement about outstanding differences between us, which we should very much welcome, I fear that there may not be any progress towards full diplomatic relations. However, negotiations are proceeding and we are not unhopeful that as a result we may achieve once more the full diplomatic relationship that we have always—at least, before 1963—enjoyed with Guatemala.