GT–7. Telegram from the Ambassador in Guatemala (Mallory) to the Department of State1
547. Department pass Army [text not declassified]. After reviewing points Department telegram 6182 from written notes, President Ydígoras had me hanging on reins while he galloped all over field for one hour twenty minutes before I could get him to the fence.
Specifically re possible troop movements border British Honduras, President said Colonel Santiago Munoz, Military Attaché in Mexico, had come to report that an exile movement had been preparing storage of arms on Southern Mexican border. Plan withdrawn according Ydígoras because of his invitation to Ruiz Cortines3 to meet him on border for highway opening and resultant subsequent realization of good relations between chiefs of state. However, a high-ranking officer of the Mexican Army has been working with exiles along northern border of Petén abutting Yucatan and in territory of Quintana Roo. When this appeared frustrated, apparently due to Intelligence activities, it was indicated that the exiles might attempt something through Belize.
Ydígoras then went into exposition of forty minutes about his relations Belize starting 25 years ago and coming up to present making [Typeset Page 662] significant statement that Belize activities fostered by Governor4 against Guatemala were for purpose of countering Guatemalan propaganda. Implication was that Governor Belize (sic) welcomed exile activity against Ydígoras. President said it would not matter if an exile attack were made on Guatemala from Belize or if they were able to get in Guatemala and then attack Belize thereby involving him and putting fat in fire. He had accordingly told Colonel Antillón to mention subject in Washington. If the above does not seem make much sense, I agree.
[Facsimile Page 2]At end of long conference where maps were reviewed in detail, I finally pinned the President down repeating I expected go Washington and what should I tell State Department about movement of troops. He said he would not send troops unless he were menaced. He promised that there would be no troops moved without first letting me know. (Army Attaché5 in discreet inquiry, including visits to troop units today unable find any evidence of preparations for troops movements). I thanked him and said this was fine and I hardly thought it would be necessary; that speaking without instruction, I felt he could be assured that were there any indication of possible attack from Belize the U.S. could influence Her Majesty’s Government to contain it.
Comment: On the several occasions on which thus general subject of Belize has been disserted upon by Ydígoras, this was longest and most detailed and revealed deep resentments of long standing. Such resentments have in no way been attenuated and he now is personally both angered at Governor for treatment given at time his visit to Benque Viejo and by English action sending Canberra bombers on visit Princess Margaret. Incidentally, I had to correct him rather directly on this when he felt Department in response to British message on subject virtually accused Guatemala of bad intentions.
I had hoped President’s reply today would dispel necessity for trip to Washington. But in view Department’s mention other matters and President’s gnawing concern with Belize question feel it may be desirable consult and will proceed unless receive telephone call to contrary tomorrow morning June 7.