asked Her Majesty's Government:What conclusions were reached in the negotiations in New York with repre- sentatives of Guatemala on the future of Belize; and what action they now propose to take to provide for the independence of Belize.

The talks with representatives of the Guatemalan Government, at which Belizean Ministers were present, were cordial and constructive. As expected, no final agreement was reached and a further meeting is to be held before long. The Government are now considering how best to take the negotiations forward and to achieve their aim of bringing Belize to early and secure independence with full territorial integrity.