HC Deb 23 June 1954 vol 529 cc36-7W
101. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what instructions he has given to our representative at the United Nations Organisation as to the action he is to take in reference to the dispute in Guatemala.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

My right hon. Friend described in reply to the right hon. Member the Leader of the Opposition on 21st June the action taken by the United Kingdom delegate at the Security Council meeting of 20th June. We shall continue to watch the situation closely.

102. Mr. Beswick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what grounds Her Majesty's Government undertook to restrict the export of arms to Guatemala.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

In 1948 it looked as if the Guatemalan Government, who have long claimed sovereignty over British Honduras, were preparing for an armed attack upon the Colony. In order to counter this threat, the Government of the day despatched troops and warships to the Colony, and licences for the export of arms or military equipment to Guatemala were thereafter refused. Guatemala has never abandoned her claim to British Honduras and the embargo on arms has been maintained in force by Her Majesty's present Government.

103. Mr. Beswick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action has been taken by the representative of Her Majesty's Government on the Security Council with regard to the invasion of Guatemala.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The action taken by the United Kingdom delegate at the Security Council meeting on 20th June was as described in my right hon. Friend's reply to the right hon. Member the Leader of the Opposition on 21st June.