Evening star., 1923-02-25
THREE WILL NOT ATTEND
PAN.AMERICAN CONGRESS
Refusal of Invitation by Mexico, Peru
and Bolivia a Matter of
General Regret.

her own. She claims this right lost
under the treaty OF 1904. under which
she ceded her coastal territory TO- Chile
"a step brought about through her de-
feat by Chile in the war Of the Pacific.
| When Bolivia received her formal In
vitation from Chile to send her usual
delegation to the congress, she made
Of It an opportunity to reopen efforts
to have Chile reconsider the treaty oc
1904. which she claims to have signed
| under duress. Bolivia sent a special
mission to Chile to sound out tho adj
ninistration on its willingness to enter
into negotiations looking toward q re-
veson of the treaty Of 1904. Chile de-
clined to do this, and the Bolivian dele
cation went back home. A few weeks
ago Bolivia announced formally she
would not attend the congress.
Effort Ill Timed
Bolivia's attempt to have Chile ne~
gotiate with her over the treaty Of 1904
was obviously Ill timed. Chile could
hardly negotiate with Bolivia at this
time. for the ownership of the Tacna-
africa district-al or part OF which
oOlltld uOpcS u ODldlIl-lo d Q4CollO4A
still In dispute between Peru and Chile.
Until that question is settled, Chile car
make no move, II she so desired. to
dispose of something which may not be-
long to her.
So Bolivia decides to remain away
from the conference. She makes it
plain that she means no affront to
Chile. But she contends that until
Chile is willing to hear her demands
and clear the way for permanent ad-
justment Of differences between the
two nations. she can accomplish moth
ing by attending the congress She
declares, rather bitterly, that the
questions for consideration by the
congress looking toward better po-
litical and economic relations be-
tween the American republics Is con-
Trajectory TO 4 situation which al
lows one nation to be dependent, po-
, litically and economically, on another
power. Her independence. Bolivia
claims, will come only with an outlet
to the sea OF her own.
No Voice fin Program.
Mexico declines to attend the con
ference because she wishes to avoid
the embarrassment which she believes
would arise by sending delegates who
had no voice in preparing the pro-
gram. She is unable to see how her
delegates could take an active part
! in the discussions or share in making
decisions of tho congress Mexico
bases her arguments on the allega-
| tion that she was left out in making
up the program of the congress Be-
| cause she is not recognized by the
/ United States. her seat In the govern
| ing board of the PanAmerican Union
| Is vacant, and this governing board
drew up the congress agenda.
! AS a matter Of fact, Mexico was
| taken into consideration in planning
for the conference. Regardless of
the fact that she is not represented
| In Washington. the Pan-Anlarican
! Union submitted the program for the
| fifth congress to the Mexican govern
ment. with the request that Mexico
make suggestions for revisions or ad-
ditions. She had the opportunity, but
! she declined to avail herself of u nee
essarily roundabout way OF taking
! it. Mexico's voice in the congress is
as strong as that of the United States.
She is as much member as the
United States. But she assumes tho
attitude Of being crowded out by her
next-door neighbor.
Peru. Bolivia and Mexico evidently
feel their national pride at stake. and
| TAXA certain degree OF satisfaction
by remaining outside. But IL should
be remembered that the Pan-Ameri-
can Congress is so far the only
agency which promises solution in
the future of the very difficulties In
which these nations are involved. It
would seem the wiser course to par
ticipate actively in movement
which, in the end, would result to
= their benefit