NOT PRIMITIVE AFFAIR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22108, 14 May 1935, Page 6

NOT PRIMITIVE AFFAIR

WAR IN GRAN CHACO ARMIES USE MODERN METHODS The long struggle raging between Bolivia and Paraguay for possession of the Gran Chaco,, a jungle territory on the boundary between the two States in South America, is generally regarded in New Zealand as drawn-out guerrilla warfare between primitive tribes. Mr. Gordon R. Turner, an Auckland missionary, who has lived in the district for some years, corrects that impression in a recent letter to a relative at New Plymouth. "The idea that the war here is a primitive tribal conflict seems to be generally held in the outside world, but it is utterly false," he writes. "These countries, though relatively small as regards population, are nevertheless thoroughly instructed in the art of warfare. For years Bolivia has been instructed by Germans, the general in charge at the beginning of hostilities being a naturalised German general of World War experience. "The enemy likewise is instructed by French, Russian and Argentine officers, bo the war is being carried out on modern lines. In some ways it is more modern than • the World War, because certain arms have been improved in later years. . Every modern arm has been, and is employed, even to tanks. "Numerous Russians are helping as officers in the army of tho enemy, as well as foreign aviators. About 18 months ago an American flying officer in the service of the enemy was brought down in aerial combat. An Australian captain was also in the air force of Bolivia at the beginning, but he was wounded and since has been employed m, another branch of service.