WAR CLOUDS

Evening Star, Issue 20052, 18 December 1928, Page 8

WAR CLOUDS

BOLIVIA AND PARAGUAY MILITARY ENCOUNTERS REPORTED DANGER' BECOMING MORE ACUTE. Press Association—By Telegr iph— Copyright ASUNCION, December 16.. The danger of war between Bolivia and Paraguay became more acute when the population demonstrated in favour of the Government's .mobilisation action, as the result of which 10,000 volunteered, amid scenes of great enthusiasm, tbo capital and the provincial districts being gripped by tremendous excitement. Reports stale that the Bolivian troops aro massing in the region of too Mennonito settlements. It is also reported that a. Bolivian aviator dropped four bombs in Paraguayan territory, all of which failed to explode. A number of retired Chilean officers have offered to aid Paraguay, it necessary.— Australian Press Association. EXCITEMENT AT HIGH PITCH. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LA PAZ, December 16. The Bolivian populace is in a high pitch of excitement, which, is due to an official report of a Bolivian victory over Paraguayan troops on Saturday on the frontier. Hopes for a pacific settlement of the trouble have been brought to a low point, and there is little response given to the League of Nations’ suggestions for a settlement. The Note addressed to the League stated: “The encounter was a ‘logical consequence' of the aggression instituted by Paraguay.” There are unofficial reports of fighting in the Chaco district. It is said that more than 100 Paraguayan soldiers have been killed, while the Bolivian lasses were light. The Bolivians captured many prisoners.—Australian Press Association. GREAT MILITARY ACTIVITY. PARAGUAYAN FORTS ATTACKED. ■ r ’-—— J - x Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, ASUNCION, December 16. Bolivian troops attacked Fort Mariscal in the Gran Chaco territory, driving back the Paraguayan defenders, who were forced to retreat after an energetic resistance. It is also reported that Paraguayan troops aro occupying Forts Valoy and Srevorelo, and that General Games has retired to his bases in view of the advance of the Bolivian troops. Greatly intensified military activity is reported along the frontier.— Australian Press Association. WAR ACTIVITIES OPENED. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. WASHINGTON, December 16. Official advices from the. Paraguayan Government to its Legation here on Sunday night stated: “Bolivia has opened war activities against Paraguay.” Australian Press Associa-. tion-Unitcd Service. POPE OFFERS TO INTERVENE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LA PAZ, December 16. Pope Pins and the King of Spain are among those who have offered their good offices for a settlement of the dispute with Paraguay, according to an announcement made by the Foreign Minister.—Australian Press 'Assoda-tion-United Service. BOLIVIA’S EXPLANATION. PARAGUAY BLAMED. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, December 16. The Bolivian Government has sent M. Briand, as acting president of. the League Council, an explanation of its action on the Paraguayan frontier. It says': “ Bolivia found it necessary to take precautions because she feared further frontier clashes, and these fears proved justified. Fresh detachments of Paraguayan Troops prepared to attack the Bolivian forts, which caused a fresh clash. They were driven back, and our troops occupied Ford Boquen. Paraguay recently built this fort on territory to which Bolivia has always had an "indisputable right. Complying with our international obligations, we hasten to inform the League Council That by these developments, which, are the natural consequence of Paraguay’s attack, Paraguay stands convicted of breaking pacts and failing in her duty to civilised nations to keep peace,”— Australian Press Association-United Service,

THE MOBILISATION ORDER. Pres* Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. ASUNCION, December 17. (Received December 18, at 1.30 a.m.) The decree mobilising the classes between eighteen and twenty-nine years was published yesterday. This action is declared necessary for defence.— Australian Press Association-United Service. LEAGUE COUNCIL. Press Association— By TeßgMph—Copyright. LUGANO, December 17. , As a result of tho lighting between Bolivia and Paraguay, tho League Council may hold an extraordinary session in Paris.—Australian Press Association.