Evening star., 1922-06-04
BY BEN McKELwAY.


H OLIvIA'S hopes for an outlet
K to the. sea are centered on
arbitration by the United
= States of the Chilean-Peru
Wan quarrel, a step which seems i'm
minent in view of the apparently
fruiuess efforts of the delegates
from Peru and Chile to make any
progress by themselves. And devel-
opments would indicate that Bo-
livia's hopes are not groundless, if
anything permanent in the way of
continued peace in South America is
to be gained by arbitration.
Significant, from Bolivia's view
point. at least. is a recent cabled
interview from Lima. quoting the
Peruvian president as saying Peru
would be willing to abide by any
decision reached by the United States
as arbitrator. and declaring. further,
that Bolivias claims should be con-
sidered if mediation is resorted to by
the delegates. This is in line with
expressions heard here that senti
ment in Chile is not averse to allow
ing Bolivia hearing.
Friendship Wanted by Both.
Peruvian delegates been so emphatic
in their refusal to entertain Bo-
livia's requests so far?
One explanation les In the fact that
Bolivia might have thrown her lot
with one of the two sides. destroy
Ing the nice adjustment of the scales
which has shown such even balance
so far. Bolivia is no mean ally
Neither Peru nor Chile is willing to
risk the loss of her friendship and
see the other gain by it. But it is
not believed either would object to
q hearing on her claims before a
third and disiterested party.
In connection with arbitration. the
proposal has been advanced in GER
tain quarters that it might be un-
dertaken by the United States, in
company with wo, or perhaps three.
other American republics There are
arguments against this on the ground
that a settlement would be expedited
If left to the United States alone. and
that a decision by the United States
backing from two or more judges
Bolivia hopes for arbitration by the
United States alone.
Chance for Complications.
Here is an example of the COM
plications which might arise were
Argentina. for instance. called in to
help decide the issue: Bolivia will
soon complete a railway to connect
with those of the Argentine, giving
her an outlet through the latter
country to the Atla1fc ocean Her
main outlet to the Pacific is by way
of railroad which runs through
ocfxl RI
Tacna- AFRICA district. While Argen-
tina is on the friendliest of terms
with Chile. a natural rivalry would
keep her from doing anything to
make permanent Chile's present ad-
vantage over Bolivia. And at the
same time she would be averse to
losing large amount of commerce
which otherwise would pass through
her country. were Bolivia given a
seaport of her own. This and like
If the settlement of the Chilean
Peruvian quarrel is left to American
republics other than the United
states.
The greatest argument in behalf of
Bolivia's right to an access to the
sea is that a seaport of her own is
absolutely necessary for her economic
development. Another argument is
that unless she is granted this sea
port. her future generations will be
dedicated to its acquisition by force.
and there will be no guarantee of
peace in South America until it is
granted.
Bolivia n Coming Power.
Bolivia's possibilities and potential
strength is attracting considerable
attention these days. She is one of
the coming powers of South America,
and should be reckoned with accord
ingIy. A seaport for Bolivia would
mean a rapid development of immense
resources which has been retarded by
the lack of an outlet to the sea of
her own.
Last week a group of New York and
st. Louis bankers agreed to lend
Bolivia S33. 100000 S26.000,000 to be
issued at once and the remaining ST.