LEAGUE CE NATIONS

icated to the Council C . 54.M. 16.1934. VII = Mers of the League. Geneva, January 15th, 1934.

DISPUTE BETÏÏEEU BOLIVIA AMD PARAGUAY.

Note by the Secretary-General.

The Secretary-General has the honour to circulate to the Council and !• .‘em b e r s of the League the following telegrams, exchanged between the President of the Republic of Paraguay and the Chaco Commission.

Telegram from the President of the Republic of Paraguay to the Chaco Commission.

Translation. Asuncion, January 12th, I e.

Am informed continuation war in Chaco after armistice agreement is contrary to Commission’s desires. Paraguayan Government initiator of truce finds itself unavoidably com­ pelled to oppose second extension and sincerely believes that in so doing it is serving the cause of peace. Only change in its intention of ending struggle as soon as possible is that that intention is r,ow even more firm and decided than before. It is a grave injustice to think my country is dominated by disastrous war obsession and hopes to profit by new battles. Those who judge us thus display prejudice or complete ignorance of dramatic antecedents of conflict. Dispute with Bolivia by will of that country is essentially political. All our efforts to direct it into legal channels not merely failed but had contrary effect. Chaco Boreal has always been recognised as belonging Paraguayan sovereignty. Acts of possession and progressive efforts place seal of civilisation on exercise of this sovereignty. Bolivian claims are based on historical title of succession to colonial entity called Audencia Charcas and on supposed rights of access to international waterways. But error in argument leaps to the eye. Jurisdiction of Audienoia Charcas also extended to present Argentine Chaco and present Eastern provinces of Bolivia by well-known geographical continuity should reach littoral of river Paraguay now belonging to Brazil. Bolivia has recognised Argentine’s right to her Chaco and Brazil’s to her littoral but claims Paraguay's Chaco and littoral. "'hat is this title valid only against the weak? America knows Bolivia attacked Paraguay by surprise availing herself of apparently incontestable superiority. Chaco war is war of conquest. Continental declaration August 3rd was made against policy of Bolivian State. Latter did not discontinue its undertaking doubtless relying on fait accompli. How has situation changed? Bolivia has suffered severe reverses. It is however doubtful whether policy forcible conquest of Chaco is dead or merely suspended under temporary pressure of heavy defeat. At this very moment Bolivia boasts her vast wealth almost untouched and her immense warlike forces and reaffirms her will to conquer. Paraguay to stop first wave of invasion exerted all her powers. But she clearly sees new peril looking and it would be unpardo nab1y weak of her Government not to ensur a state of peace which without ignoring good faith implied by signatures to treaties will provide material guarantees security This is the view of Government of which I am President. Paraguay cannot at present rely exclusively on formal virtue cf legal formulae. Chaco problem will continue to be political problem unless under wise guidance League of Nations agreement is reached on conditions calculated to create and maintain a situation aimed at peaceful development of States concerned. We preserve our faith in League action and are prepared co­ operate loyally in conducting work of peace to successful con­ clusion. During negotiations we shall make it a duty to consider when time seems ripe suspension of hostilities such as will not be open to protests which unhappily occurred during recent armistice. Object, these declarations is to explain our conduct and assure Commission our genuine desire to lend our most cordial and effective assistance with a view to success of its mission.

(Signed) Eusebio AYALA.

Beply from the Chaco Commission to the President of the Republic of Paraguay.

Translation. Buenos Aires, January 13th,1954.

Commission has considered Your Excellency's telegram attaching as always greatest importance to vievs you kindly communicate to it. As however Committee of Three and Council Kill examine question immediately with assistance Paraguayan and Bolivian delegates Commission thinks all it can do at moment ic communicate Your Excellency’s telegram Council and await outcome Council's deliberations. Commission sincerely trusts that outcome will enable it to continue its efforts at pacification and gratefully notes Your Excellency's kind assurance of Paraguayan Government's desire to lend its most cordial and effective assistance with a view to success cf its mission.

(Signed) BUERO.