724.3415/347: Telegram
The Minister in Paraguay (Kreeck) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 6—6:55 a.m.]
2. Heavy rains have forced the Bolivians to relinquish Paraguayan Fort Vanguardia withdrawing their troops to Bolivian territory. It should not be occupied.
The Conference should insist Bolivia and Paraguay demobilize or withdraw their troops to distant points; for example, northern Bolivian forces withdraw to Robore and Suarez, northern Paraguayan forces to Bahía Negra, all Bolivian forces interior and south Chaco should be withdrawn outside of territory awarded Paraguay by President Hayes16 to Villamonte, chief Bolivian Pilcomayo center, demobilization preferable. Without some such measures unfortunate circumstances will arise for Paraguay cannot support an army upon the frontiers for six months without affecting the economic conditions of the country.
Recent Bolivian northern concentration of troops reports following regiments at Vitiones: Infantry, four regiments, the first, the ninth, the twelfth, the thirteenth; fourth regiment engineers with aeroplanes.
Interior Chaco concentration of troops at Munoz: Infantry, two regiments, the sixth, the eighth; cavalry, the fifth regiment engineers, the second and the third regiments.
Concentration at Villamonte, artillery, third regiment; cavalry, third regiment.
Argentine Legation reports large shipment of armament consisting of aeroplanes, 24,000 rifles, et cetera, has been received in Argentina from Germany consigned to the Bolivian Government for use southern Chaco. Part of the shipment said to be detained by Argentina. I am investigating through independent sources and will report.
- On November 12, 1878; see Foreign Relations, 1878, p. 711.↩