State of War

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 179, 1 August 1932, Page 7

State of War

PARAGUAY AND BOLIVIA A CENTURY-OLD DISPUTE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) Received July 31, 7.40 p.m. NEW YORK, July 30. The New York Times’ Buenos Aires correspondent states that the centuryold boundary dispute between Paraguay and Bolivia over the possession of Gran Chaco and the vast wilderness between the inhabited parts of the two republics, apparently reached a virtual state of war to-day. According to reports here, it is believed that a formal declaration is a matter of hours. From Asunchion and Lapaz, the respective capitals, came reports of several minor engagements over the possession of forts within the area, in which several were killed and injured. A warlike spirit is prevailing in both countries, where there arc heavy enlistments and subscriptions of money and supplies.

Bolivia’s demands include an outset to the Atlantic via the Paraguay River and she insists that further mediation by neutral countries is futile. Although admittedly inferior in military equipment, Paraguay apparently is determined to defend her position. According to reports, Bolivia has 50,000 well-trained and modernlyequipped men ready for action.