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

714.44A15/10–2848: Telegram

The Chargé in Guatemala (Wells) to the Secretary of State

confidential
urgent

Guatemala, October 28, 1948—6 a. m.

422. Have received Foreign Office note transmitting copy British note rejecting mediation Belize dispute by US (Embtel 418, October 27¹). Contains expression deep appreciation our generous offer to act as mediator, and has following sentence: “The attitude of Great Britain in this matter, much to the regret of the Guatemalan Government, has maintained, maintains and will maintain an inconvenient and disagreeable tension in the relations between Guatemala and England and constitutes a powerful obstacle to good understanding and to international cooperation”. Full text follows despatch No. 535.¹

Foreign Office yesterday issued statement announcing British rejection mediation, calling attention universal and especially continental opinion this evidence Guatemala’s goodwill and effort seek solution civilized means, and to alleged British intransigent and obstructive attitude. Statement published all papers. No mention made British protest reported reference telegram.

Wells

1. Not printed.
1. Not printed.