Declassified F96-107#221
By SMF, NARA, Date 3/28/00
Secret
MEMORANDUM FOR JOHN M. POINDEXTER
FROM: PETER R. SOMMER
SUBJECT: Mrs. Thatcher’s Reply re Belize
In Mrs. Thatcher’s reply to the President (Tab I), she promised that “no irrevocable steps will be taken” regarding the withdrawal of the British garrison from Belize. She also indicated that she hoped to be in a position to tell the President more about British intentions with regard to the garrison when they meet in September. Reading between the lines, Mrs. Thatcher’s response is mildly encouraging.
Since this will be a major topic of discussion at their September meeting, I see absolutely no need for a further Presidential reply to Mrs. Thatcher at this time. We will, however, ensure that the British garrison is included in the briefing papers for the President’s September 29 meeting with Mrs. Thatcher.
Roger Fontaine, Don Fortier, and Ollie North concur.
RECOMMENDATION
That you agree we do not need a further reply at this time.
[Document not marked one way or the other by Poindexter]