SOUTH AMERICAN WAR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 110, 12 May 1933, Page 5

SOUTH AMERICAN WAR

A FORMAL DECLARATION PARAGUAY TAKES ACTION DEMONSTRATION IN STATES. Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) ASCUNCION, May 10. Paraguay to-day formally declared war against Bolivia. They have been engaged in an hitherto undeclared war in tho Gran Chako border area since last summer. President Eusebio Ayala, using the authority recently voted him by Congress, signed the declaration at 11 a.m. Nows of the signing provoked a great demonstration as soon as it reached the streets, the celebrations being tho most widespread since the hostilities began last June. Crowds forged through the thoroughfares, singing and cheering. PARAGUAY’S AIM BOTH SIDES DETERMINED. ASCUNCION, May 10. For the first time in fifty years the Chako dispute has reached the formal status of warfare, though for years intermittent fighting has kept both nations armed. Paraguay hopes that a formal declaration of neutrality by Argentina and Chile,, and perhaps by Peru and Brazil, will hamper the Bolivian importation of supplies. Both nations are determined that the present struggle shall result in a definite and permanent settlement of the Gran Chaco strife. Except for the belated entry of several South American nations into the Great War, this is the first declaration of war on the Continent since Bolivia fought Chile in 1879 over the nitrate fields. NOT COMIC OPERA A REAL WAR THIS TIME Received May 11, 11.45 p.m. BUENOS AIRES, May 11. Sixty thousand troops are engaged in a real war between Bolivia and Paraguay. This year-old struggle may seem a comiu opera affair, says the Sun correspondent, but the fight for Chaco has already been punctuated b£ a series c,f bloody, spectacular battles, Both sides have machine guns, tanks, and big guns. Bullets, disease and thirst have slain thousands, while snakes, mosquitoes and fever are terrific handi caps. Men of both nations are rushing to join the colours. Seven hundred miles of new' highways through the jungle arc traversed by a fleet of army trucks.

The dispute over the Chaco was revived with violence in July of last year, when minor engagements occurred between detachments on the dis puted frontier. After the offices of the League of Nations had been sought the. Paraguayan Senate, executive session last March, voted unanimously to authorise the Government to declare war on Bolivia. The prope-ct then went to the Chamber of Deputies, where it was expected to pass. President Ayala called -Congress in extraordinary session, and the Senate, after several long .secret sessions attended by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and War, voted to suspend consideration of a declaration of war for some days. For reasons not given out, the Senate ignored this decision and resumed debate. President Ayala’s message requesting the authority to declare war said Bolivian aggression had created a state of war de facto and it was Paraguay’s obligation under international law to declare that a state of war exists.

The Chaco war was thought to be entering its final phase at the same time, for the Bolivian and Paraguayan replies to proposals of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru for a settlement wore considered exceptionally satisfactory. Peru’s Foreign Minister, Honor Cru chaga Tocornal, explained that the re plies included a few observations of minor importance which the three neighbours arc studying, but added:— “I am completely optimistic as regards the work done towards mutual understanding, firmly believing tho whole Chaco problem will be brought io a successful close soon.”

Diplomatic, circles believed the Forcing Ministers of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile probably would call a conference as soon as possible for a final analysis of the situation. It was be lieved an armistice might be established immediately after the meeting, with arbitrators named to fix the boundaries between Paraguay and Bolivia.