CONFIDENTIAL
garrison will not be withdrawn in circumstances which would create instability, FCO Ministers have said that we cannot withdraw the garrison until after a negotiated settlement of the dispute between Belize and Guatemala.
14.
The good progress made in 1989 and 1990 towards a settlement has been stalled since the change of government in Guatemala in January 1991. But recent indications are that the process may resume soon. While prospects for progress exist, it will be important to maintain the present composition of the garrison, thus enabling negotiations to be carried out against a stable background. Proposals for partial or early withdrawal before a settlement could raise doubts in Belize and Guatemala about our commitment, and upset In discussions with the MOD, prospects for a negotiated settlement.
we shall therefore be arguing strongly in favour of maintaining the status quo for the next 12 months, including the retention of the present Harrier flight, reviewing the situation then in the light of progress towards a settlement.
15. Our obligations to independent countries and dependent territories in the Caribbean area (Serial 4) are linked to our commitments in Belize:
any reduction in the provision for the Belize Garrison or West Indies Guardship (WIGS) would adversely affect in-theatre reinforcement of our dependencies.
withdrawal of WIGS would run counter to HMG's policy of reassuring Caribbean governments of Britain's continued and firm commitment to the region. The Prime Minister of Barbados stressed the need to keep WIGS when he saw the Secretary of State recently; the Prime Minister of Grenada recently asked for WIGS to help with a determined show of force.
The US Government also regard our contribution towards regional stability through the presence of the Belize Garrison and WIGS as an essential part of burdensharing.