US embassy cable - 05GUATEMALA807

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 000807 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SMIG, CVIS, KFRD, ASEC, EAID, PHUM, SNAR, KCRM, PBTS, GT 
SUBJECT: GUATEMALAN CONCERNS ABOUT "MINUTEMAN PROJECT" 
 
1.  The Ambassador received March 30 a letter from Guatemalan 
FM Jorge Briz expressing concern about the "Minuteman 
Project" and other private U.S. efforts to patrol the border 
and intercept illegal migrants.  Text of the letter, dated 
March 27, follows in para 2.  Embassy requests the 
Department's guidance in formulating a response. 
 
2.  Embassy's informal translation of FM Briz's letter to the 
Ambassador: 
 
Mr. Ambassador: 
 
With great concern we have learned of the "Minuteman project" 
led by Mr. James W. Gilchrist, Vietnam veteran, to recruit 
volunteers for a force which supposedly will track and detect 
undocumented aliens to block their entry into the United 
States. 
 
In the context of the prevailing situation, Mr. Gilchrist's 
proposal follows other illegal organizations such as 
"American patrol" and "Ranch Rescue," which combine alarming 
characteristics, including racism, "profiling," and 
xenophobia -- an explosive combination that in many cases 
results in acts of violence. 
 
As you know, Guatemala is making growing efforts to contain 
irregular migration to the north, promoting development 
projects in areas of greatest outward migration and 
coordinating with neighboring countries, particularly with 
Mexico, to manage this phenomenon. 
 
It should be noted that this Foreign Ministry welcomed 
President Bush's statements on the issue of migration and his 
desire to resolve the irregular status of foreigners living 
in the United States and facilitate dignified conditions for 
them. 
 
In that sense we understand that organizations such as the 
above-mentioned respond to uncontrolled extremist initiatives 
that operate without institutional control and intend to 
assume functions which belong to U.S. authorities. 
 
However, Guatemala cannot stop from expressing its concern 
over this type of action, soliciting a response from your 
government in order to guarantee the principles which gave 
birth to your nation, fundamentally grounded in respect for 
human rights. 
 
(complimentary closing) 
 
Jorge Briz 
 
3.  Comment & Action Request:  Guatemalan media have noted 
with alarm recent announcements of incipient U.S. citizen 
efforts to patrol the U.S.-Mexico border and assist U.S. 
authorities with the interdiction of aliens illegally 
entering the U.S.  Embassy would appreciate Department's 
guidance for responding to FM Briz, particularly on his 
allegation that "American Patrol" and "Ranch Rescue" are 
"illegal" organizations and whether we have any reason to be 
concerned about what the "Minuteman Project" proposes to do. 
HAMILTON