Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Western Hemisphere, Volume IX

714.44A15/4–348: Telegram

The Ambassador in Colombia (Beaulac) to the Acting Secretary of State

secret

Bogotá, April 3, 1948—11 p. m.

Delbog 28. In conversation this morning between Garcia Granados of Guatemala and Daniels,¹ former expressed following views re colonial problem:

1. Guatemala is prepared to reestablish normal conditions in relations with Belize,² and specifically to reopen the frontier, as soon as all British troops which recently arrived there are completely withdrawn.

2. Guatemala hoped that there would be no change in political status of British Honduras pending settlement of dispute, and that for time being no action would be taken by British Government in introducing refugees or other colonists.

3. Guatemala was still willing to have Belize dispute arbitrated by International Court of Justice, but not merely on interpretation of treaty. Guatemala felt all circumstances leading to conclusion of treaty in first instance should be taken into account and arbitration should be on basis ex aequo et bono.

Garcia Granados added that his government did not desire to cause trouble with Great Britain in regard to their proposal regarding European colonies, but that there was an overwhelming support of Guatemalan thesis among American Republics. He felt that if British could take positive action and give adequate assurances along foregoing lines it would be much easier for conference to avoid taking action by resolution or otherwise objectionable to Great Britain.

Daniels reiterated Department’s position as set forth in recent memorandum to Guatemalan Embassy and other documents.

Please approach British Government urgently and urge action and assurances in line with Guatemalan suggestions listed above.³ Any such assurances obtained by US in confidence from British would be held by US here and used to the best of our ability in handling colonial problem here in hope of reaching solution which can be unanimously supported by twenty-one American Republics and at same time reasonably acceptable to British. It is believed to be in British interest to avoid open disagreement with American Republics so far as possible.

Garcia Granados further suggested that conference might create a permanent commission of American States to continue study of European colonial problem in western hemisphere. Before making any commitments would welcome expression Department’s views.⁴

Beaulac

1. Jorge Garcia Granados, Vice Chairman of the Guatemalan Delegation; Paul C. Daniels, Director, Office of American Republic Affairs and Delegate of the United States.
2. For documentation on the Belize controversy, see pp. 81 ff.
3. The Acting Secretary reported in Bogdel 43, April 6, 5 p. m.: “agreement obtained from British Embassy to urge British Govt to take action and give assurances in line with three Guatemalan suggestions but Embassy was not optimistic concerning probable response.”
4. Acting Secretary of State reported in Bogdel 42, April 6, 5 p. m., the Department’s disapproval of a proposal that the Conference create a permanent commission of American States to continue study of the European colonial problem in Western Hemisphere and hope that such action could be discouraged (710.J/4–648).