CONFIDENTIAL
BELIZE: THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S POSITION
Belize/UK
1. The long historical links between the UK and Belize and our shared membership of the Commonwealth contribute to the very warm relations that we enjoy with Belize. In 1981, Belize became an independent realm within the Commonwealth. It is a parliamentary democracy. In the first post-independence elections in December 1984, the United Democratic Party (UDP) led by
Mr Manuel Esquivel defeated the People's United Party (PUP) which had held power for 20 years. These elections and the subsequent transfer of power were agreed by all observers to be a model of democracy and respect for the wishes of the people. Mr Esquivel made a successful official visit to the UK at the end of July 1985. HM The Queen visited Belize in October 1985.
2. During Mr Esquivel's visit to the UK in July 1985, a new £7.5 m loan agreement was signed which will extend British aid to Belize beyond the full disbursement of the £12 m aid package agreed at independence. Capital aid disbursements total about £2.8 m a year. In addition to a training programme costing approximately £115,000 per annum, there are 15 Technical Cooperation and Overseas Service Aid Scheme officers in Belize. Britain has also given £6 m in military assistance for the equipping of the Belize Defence Force with small arms and support weaponry and for supplying the air and maritime wings with two Defender aircraft and two patrol boats.
Belize/Guatemala
3.
It was agreed at independence that a British garrison should remain in Belize to assist with external defence and with the training of the Belize Defence Force. The Prime Minister told Mr Esquivel during his visit to the UK in July 1985 that the British garrison would remain for an appropriate period. Mr Esquivel publicly expressed his satisfaction with this assurance. Guatemala, Belize's neighbour to the west, maintains a territorial claim
CONFIDENTIAL
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