§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he was consulted by the United States administration about the resumption of 277W American supplies of military equipment to Guatemala in view of British military commitments to Belize; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindWe were informed in advance by the United States Government that they would announce the resumption of certain limited military sales to Guatemala.
The United States Government are aware of our concern and we continue to keep in close touch over the issue.
§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on British relations with Guatemala and indicate if there has been any recent change of policy on either side on the future of Belize.
§ Mr. RifkindGuatemala broke diplomatic relations with Britain in 1963, and consular relations in 1981. Our consular interests are looked after by the Swiss embassy in Guatemala city.
As to recent developments, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Radice) on 9 February.—[Vol. 36, c. 988.] Guatemala continues to maintain a territorial claim against Belize. British policy on this subject has not changed.