The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-07-24
All of South America Watch
ing Dispute of Peru
and Bolivia.
NEXT FEW DAYS
WILL SEE CRISIS
War Would Be Waged in Fastness
of the Andes Above
Clouds.

The interest Of Western Hemisphere
governm ents is centered upon a TRAN
.gular piece Of territory ia northwestern
Bolivia, which may have the effect Of
turning loose the dogs Of war in the
Andes.
This piece Of territory. comprising
about 5000 square miles, is the disputed
land which was awarded to Peru by the
President of Argentine. and which de-
cision led to the breaking of of diplo-
matte relations between the Argentine
and Bolivian governments.
It has. heretofore, been r,cIiced and
governed by Bolivia Whether or not
that country viii 90 to war with Argen-
tina to recover it. despite the decision OF
the Argentine arbitrator. depends upon
the events OF the next few days. Over
lures looking toward a readjustment
OF the difficulty have been made. #
this does not succeed II is almost a Ger
tainty that war will fellow.
Military operations in the vicinity Of
the disputed territory would be hamper
ed oy greater obstacles than have been
presented by any Of the historic noun
Iains Of Europe, such as appear in the
Pyrenees, the Balkans, or the Alps.
Bolivia Is perched high in the recesses
OF the Andes and II war did break loose
IT is probable that most Of the battles
would be fought above the clouds
Furthermore, the physical obstacles are
such Ihat campaign would probably
be prolonged for years before any de-
clslVe victory could be won by either
country.
What Caused Trouble.
The trouble beween Bolivia and Ar
gentina arose when the president Of
Argentina as referee. sided with Peru
in q boundary controversy which had
been pending between Peru and BOLIVIA
for many years. In delivering his de-
eision in the matter. President Alcorta
divided the contested territory almost
equally between the two countries, but
favored Peru. The new frontier fol-
lows for the greater part the sixy-ninth
Greenwich meridian
It was on July that the Argentine
minister OF foreign affairs invited the
ministers OF Peru and Bolivia to his
office 10 hear the award. DR.. Villazon,
Bolivian minister TO Argentina, declined
70 attend. he was acting under instruc-
lions from his home government. which
mad an mixing OF what the decision
would be and which did not want TO
The territory in controversy lies TO the
extreme north Of Bolivia and was re-
Gently sold TO Brazil for 100000 al
though, at the time, Peru strenuously
objected
President Leguia. OF Peru, upon hear
Ing OF the award, telegTaphed President
AlcOrta, cOmplimenting him on his fair
ness and his service 10 humanity in
deciding the difficult question In so lust
manner. President Monies. Of Bolivia,
had some circulars struck of 10 which ne
criticised the Argentine government and
Alcorta for what he deemed an unfair
division.
People Aroused.
Then the people of Bolivia took the
matter up, and mob after mob formed to
attack the legations OF the Peruvian and
Argentine governments. Senior Fonseca.
the Argentine minister, and his wife,
were driven from their home and chased
eight blocks 70 the home OF President
Monies. where they were sheltered
In political atmosphere like that OF
South America il only required some
shock Ike this 10 bring the bolt Of war
Out OF the surcharged air Argentina
gave his passports TO Dr. NillazOn and
sent word 10 senior EOnseca TO come
home, Zach Of these ministers left for
their resp lctiVe homes July u. At the
same time. Argentina drew on New
York for gold and So O00, 900 was shipped
her. Bolivia and Peru and Argentina
all began 70 enlist troops and prepare
for the conflict which seemed inevitable
war between Bolivia and Argentina
might result In drawing Chile, Peru, and
Brazil into the conflict. as all OF these
nations are in a way, interested, Chile
II she Is drawn IN viii probably be an
ally Of Bolivia although IL has been
only rev years since she robbed Bo-
nvia OF her sea coast and left her
stranded among the mountains and
highlands Of central South America
Should Brazil be drawn IN. it would also
be on the side Of Bolivia, because Of
the purchase Of the contested territory.