§ 39. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with regard to the disputes in South America between Bolivia and Paraguay and Colombia and Peru?
§ Sir J. SIMONHostilities between Bolivia and Paraguay in the Chaco area are still continuing. In my reply to my hon. Friend's question on this subject on the 27th of February I stated that fresh proposals were under consideration between the Governments of the neighbouring countries. These have been submitted unofficially to the Bolivian and Paraguayan Governments, and negotiations on this basis are proceeding. As regards the second part of my hon. Friend's question, I should explain that hostilities between Peru and Colombia are not at the moment taking place. The advisory committee appointed by the council of the League of Nations is following the dispute, and negotiations have been proceeding on the basis of the council's proposals of the 25th of February, and of the report and recommendations adopted by the council on the 18th of March, which it is hoped may render possible a peaceful settlement of the dispute. His Majesty's representatives at Lima and Bogota have been actively supporting the council's recommendations.