CONFIDENTIAL
Recent indications however 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 prospects for a negotiated settlement.
shall therefore be arguing strongly with the MOD
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.
We
16. Our obligations to independent countries and
dependent territories in the Caribbean area
(Serial 11) 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. Most of the High Commissioners
from the region have recently reiterated the
importance of the commitment in the interests
of regional stability. The Prime Minister of
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Private notes are available after approval.