CONTINENT’S UNREST

Taranaki Daily News, 2 June 1934, Page 17 (Supplement)

CONTINENT’S UNREST

SOUTH AMERICAN AFFAIRS THREE YEARS OF WAR. PARAGUAY AND BOLIVIA. Buenos Aires, April 26. The announcement in New York that 50 American airmen had sailed, under contract, to Colombia, adds to the fear, widely expressed, that the unrest that is sweeping South America may bring in its train sectional warfare and revolution similar to that which gave Latin America a series of setbacks four years ago. The Chaco war, between Paraguay and Bolivia, now in its third year, was brought to white heat by the battle, last, week, at Fort Ballivan, in which the casualties were among the greatest in the conflict. Bolivia has just sworn in her sixth Foreign Minister since the outbreak of hostilities, which caused the downfall of all his predecessors. The A.B.C.P. nations (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru) are anxious to use their good influences to bring about peace, but are obliged, by diplomatic courtesy, to await action by the League of Nations on the report of its Chaco Commission. Besides, they have their own . troubles just now. . . In the recurrence of the dispute between Peru and Colombia, regarding the rich international city of Leticia, open warfare can scarcely be avoided. Leticia s trade goes out mainly through Colombia, but its citizens are Peruvian' in sentiment. Brazil would not idly disregard a share of it, along her waterways, should opportunity offer, The League prescribed that Leticia be a free territory 12 years ago. Brazil is unusually restless, with growing opposition to the Constituent. Assembly’s proposal to elect Provisional President Vargas as first President, under the new constitution. The election is to be held next week.. The opposition is particularly strong in Rio, and the State of Sao ' Paolo. His opponent is Sr. Monteiro, Minister of War. . Threats of revolt led to many arrests in the State of Parana. Uruguay is beset by unrest at the recent election of President Terra. Brazil and Argentina are patrolling their Uruguay littoral, by land and air, to prevent arms being smuggled into Uruguay. Argentina is threatened with nation-wide strikes against taxation and the payment of foreign debts. The Government’s majority was reduced, at the recent elections in Chile, by the extreme Left, which calls for Cabinet revision and a more unsettled political atmosphere.