THE GRAN CHACO

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1933, Page 7

THE GRAN CHACO

BOLIVIA SEEK WAR AS SOLUTION

ROTARY CLUB CIRCULAR.

A circular issued by the Asuncion Rotary Clubs to Rotary Clubs through' out the world asserts that Bolivia is seeking war to settle the dispute over the Gran Chaco, knowing that certain defeat awaits her in any court of justice. The statement is made that Paraguay has always had jurisdiction over the disputed territory and that its development is a result of her 1 efforts, Bolivia having done nothing but establish illegal military posts. It i s claimed for Paraguay that she lias always been willing to submit the case to an international tribunal. The Bolivian case was stated in a document issued by the Legation of that country in London last August. This stated inter aha: "During the past 50 years Bolivia has experienced a steady economic growth, and in the passing of each year the need for a free access to the sea has become of increasing importance; to-day it is vital to the economic future of the country. The logical egress is the Paraguay River, and this is Bolivia’s by right.

“Bolivia is anxious for peace and has in the past made great territorial sacrifices to avoid war, but to sacrifice her rights to the River Paraguay would be to commit economic suicide and to throw away for ever her hopes of future prosperity. So far the intervention of neutral Powers has implied an economic boycott of the two disputing countries; but since Bolivia is entirely landlocked and Paraguay has already a free access to the sea, such action would constitute a blockade of Bolivia, and hence a virtual alliance between the neutral States and Paraguay. Therefore, while the Bolivian Government reiterates its desire for a peaceful settlement of the Chaco question, it must of necessity make clear that any intervention on the part of outside Powers can serve no constructive purpose unless accompanied by some definite plan for the final and permanent settlement of the problem.’’