ABSTRACT
This chapter traces in more detail the legal process by which the settlement in and around Belize became a British Colony in the nineteenth century, not only in her own eyes, but by official recognition as such in Parliament and in the eyes of International Law. The break-up of the Spanish Empire in Central America marked a kind of watershed in the political status of Belize: naturally it created a completely new situation. Great Britain’s policy since the Victory of S. George’s Cay had been to put a blind eye to the telescope as far as Belize was concerned. During the War, Guatemala held her hand in consideration of England’s difficulties, but in 1946 renewed her diplomatic offensive with great violence. Foreign Minister Mr. Bevin at once suggested arbitration before the newly established International Court of Justice of the United Nations Organization, devised for just such interstate controversies as this.
