§ 73. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will publish details of the arrangements to be made between the United Kingdom and Guatemala about British Honduras and if he will give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will make no secret treaty with Guatemala.
§ Mrs. WhiteThe United States mediator, Mr. Webster, held a meeting in New York on 28th and 29th June in which British and Guatemalan officials took part. As the House will be aware from what I said on 23rd June, this meeting is one of a series.
I cannot disclose the mediator's proposals, which are still at the drafting stage. Under the terms of reference of the mediation, its proceedings are confidential. I can assure the House that no treaty will be concluded with Guatemala without the full agreement of the Government of British Honduras and that any such treaty will not be secret.
There is general agreement in British Honduras that a settlement of this dispute should be reached. The aim of the mediator is an honourable and final resolution. Allegations that decisions have been taken which in any way jeopardise the future of British Honduras are wholly 141W unwarranted. Premature and inaccurate statements about the course of the mediation can only do harm.