THE NEWEST ALLY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22553, 10 April 1943, Page 4

THE NEWEST ALLY

ALTHOUGH Bolivia is a small country without direct access to the sea, its entry into the war against the Axis is to be welcomed. Mining and agriculture are the principal industries of the country, the mineral productions being extremely valuable. After the Straits Settlements, Bolivia is the largest tin producer in the world, while copper and antimony are also found in considerable quantities. These products have been supplied to the United Nations. As far as can be judged Bolivia has come into the war believing rightly that the United Nations will triumph, and that her services will be remembered when the peace settlement comes. Bolivia’s peculiar situation in South America makes it necessary for her to win what friends she can, because for some time past the people have been uneasy about the attitude of Argentina, which has been accused of preparing for an expansionist drive. The truth appears to be that both countries are bidding to become the leading industrial and political power in South America and in this condition of rivalry Bolivia probably considers it to be in her interests to gain support from the United States, and one route to that end is unquestionably a declaration of war against America’s enern-

The internal political life of Bolivia has been uncertain and disturbed since last year. Agreements with Argentina over the construction

of railways have been criticised. Then the cancellation of Standard Oil Company concessions was thought hy some to remove an obstacle in the way of Argentina’s influence over Bolivian oilfields. However, Argentina’s plans suffered a major reverse when the construction of the railway between Corumba and Santa Cruz was agreed upon by Bolivia and Brazil. This was considered to be the most serious setback to Argentine diplomacy in recent years. It may be that Bolivia, in following Brazil into the war against, the Axis, is further strengthening her bonds with that country in the hope of holding Argentine aspirations in check. South America is a politcally-minded continent and the leaders of the countries are

shrewd and resourceful diplomats. However, the motives of Bolivia in entering the war need not be scrutinised 100 closclv. for flic ranks of the United Nations are ever open to a friend who can make even a small contribution to the common pool.