PARAGUAY READY FOR ARBITRATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18641, 19 December 1928, Page 12

PARAGUAY READY FOR ARBITRATION.

BOLIVIA, HOWEVER, REMAINS SILENT ON KELLOGG OFFER. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, December 17. The Paraguayan Government has accepted Mr Kellogg's offer of his good offices, on behalf of the Pan-American Conciliation and Arbitration Conference, to mediate in the dispute with Bolivia. The latter country, however, has not yet replied to the offer. A despatch from La Paz says that the commander of the Bolivian frontier forces has been ordered to halt his advance and to cease attacks on Paraguayan troops, in accordance with the Bolivian reply to the President of the Council of the League of Nations. News from Asuncion says that 30,000 volunteers have been incorporated into the Paraguayan army.. Three steamers, carding numerous forces, left for an unnamed northern destination. War preparations are in evidence everywhere. Paraguay, in accepting the offer of mediatfon J>y the Pan-American Conference. stated that the mobilisation was for defensive purposes.—Australian Press Association—United Service.

THE POPE, SPAIN AND LEAGUE WILLING TO HELP MAINTAIN PEACE. LONDON, December 17. It is reported from Rome that, without seeking to interfere with the pacificatory measures taken in other quarters, including the League, the Pope is conferring with the Papal Nuncio at La Paz in the hope of preventing further fighting. He is unable to make representations to Paraguay, as the Vatican has no diplomatic relations with that country. A report from Madrid states: “As the mother of both Bolivia and Paraguay, and the spiritual head of the Spanish races, Spain is approaching both Governments,” declared General di Rivera, the Prime Minister. “Both Presidents have replied paying a tribute to the mother country’s sentiments." Sir Eric Drummond, SecretaryGeneral of the League of Nations, is going to Paris to confer with M. Briand regarding the war, but the latest reports state that the League Council is likely to await fresh developments before holding a special meeting. The League Secretariat is of opinion that Dr Stresemann is willing to visit Paris for the purpose.—Australian Pretts Association—United Service.