714.44A15/3–1848
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Chief of the Division of Central America and Panama Affairs (Newbegin)
confidential
Washington, March 18,
1948.
| Participants: | Sr. Ismael Gonzalez Arévalo, Ambassador of Guatemala |
| Mr. Paul C. Daniels, Director for ARA | |
| Robert Newbegin—CPA |
Ambassador Gonzalez Arévalo called late this afternoon to present a memorandum on the Belize dispute.1 The memorandum touched on the following points:
- 1.
- That the Bogotá Conference, with reference to the concrete case of Belize, adopt a resolution “condemning any act of armed provocation by an extra-continental power …” etc.
- 2.
- Guatemala’s interest in the success of the Conference and the maintenance of inter-American solidarity. With this in view, the hope that the U.S. would help find a solution.
- 3.
- Action on the part of the U.S. to effect the immediate withdrawal of the British forces which disembarked in Belize.
- 4.
- Possible mediation on the part of the U.S. to find a specific, just, and equitable solution of the controversy.
- 5.
- The necessity that the strict territorial status quo be maintained, and that England postpone any plans for federation or colonization of the territory.
Mr. Daniels said that he would endeavor to let Ambassador Gonzalez Arévalo have a reply by next Tuesday at the latest2 in order that he might acquaint his Government with our views when he proceeds to Guatemala City next week.
The Ambassador was asked if he had any further information with regard to his Government’s position vis-à-vis Costa Rica. He replied that he did not.