§ 2.47 p.m.
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy 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 what were the conclusions of the talks between representatives of Guatemala, Belize and Britain regarding the future of Belize.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, the discussions on 19th to 20th May in Bermuda, at which the Belize Government were represented, reached no conclusions. The atmosphere was cordial and further talks are envisaged shortly. Our aim remains to clear the way for a secure independence for Belize as soon as possible.
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy Lords, I thank the Minister for his reply. May I ask him whether both the Government and the Opposition Party in Belize are opposed to the British suggestion that 10 miles on the sea coast should be offered to Guatemala? Are these discussions likely to postpone the independence of Belize, which has been endorsed by the General Assembly of the United Nations?
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, no formal proposals were made at the discussions to which the noble Lord has referred and, as I said earlier, we remain committed to early independence for Belize.
Baroness VICKERSMy Lords, having myself visited Belize several times, may I say that every time we get a similar answer?—that nothing has happened in the discussions. One of the difficulties, I understand, is the question of the troops remaining in Belize, which will probably be necessary. This is a very good training ground for troops. I hope that Belize will get independence and that they will allow the troops to remain.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, troops will remain in Belize so long as Belize remains a Crown Colony under military threat. I cannot think that they would remain after that time.
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord to confirm that Mexico has an interest in the peaceful settlement of this dispute, and that indeed Mexico has shown itself to be helpful and statesmanlike in its attitude? Mexico is a country which exercises increasing influence in that part of the world and in the United Nations. In this connection, perhaps I may ask the noble Lord to bear in mind that the British Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union looks forward to welcoming next week a parliamentary delegation from Mexico.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, Mexico is of course a very important nation in that part of the world, but the principal difficulty in this context is the position of the Guatemalan Government.
§ Baroness JEGERMy Lords, having also spent some time in Belize, may I ask the Minister what is the present position about the supply of arms to Guatemala and training by the United States Government? When I was in Belize this was a matter of great concern to our troops.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, that is slightly outside the scope of the Question on the Order Paper. However, the Government of the United States of course have as much interest as we have in securing peace and security in the area.
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy Lords, is it not the case that, while the neighbouring countries to Guatemala have in the past supported its claims, they have now changed their views and Guatemala is isolated in the stand which it is taking?
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, I would not want to exacerbate the situation, but certainly we hope for an accommodation with the Government of Guatemala, and further talks will be held shortly.