WAR ON BOLIVIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21421, 20 February 1933, Page 9

WAR ON BOLIVIA

PARAGUAY MAY DECLARE f CABINET TO CONSIDER A SUGGESTED BLOCKADE PLAN TO STOP CONFLICT By Telegraph—Presa Association —Copyright . (Received February 19, 6.15 p.m.) " NEW YORK, Feb. 18 A message from Asuncion, Paraguay, reports that in semi-official quarters it is stated that the Paraguayan Senate is to meet in an extraordinary session next week to consider a resolution to make a formal declaration of war against Bolivia. This follows upon eight months of warfare in the Gran Chaco area. Argentina, Chile, Brazil are said to be contemplating a blockade of the Bolivian frontier in order to force a cessation of hostilities. The suggested declaration of war apparently is inspired by the belief that an actual tftate of war will facilitate a blockade. A circular issued by the Asuncion Rotary Clubs to Rgtary Clubs throughout 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 efforts, Bolivia having done nothing but establish illegal military posts. It is claimed for Paraguay that she has 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 coun- - try in London last August. This stated inter alia: " During the past 50 yearsBolivia 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 f 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 freeii 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 per-.,-manent settlement of the problem."