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Stamps depicting a map of the Gran Chaco were issued in 1932 |
Both
Bolivia and Paraguay had conflicting territorial claims over the region known
as "Gran Chaco." The dispute escalated in 1931 when Bolivia issued
postage stamps featuring a map where the region was labeled as "Chaco
Boliviano." In response, Paraguay issued its own stamp in 1932, featuring
the slogan "Has been, is, and will be," with the region labeled as
"Chaco Paraguayo." The issuance of these stamps symbolized the
intensifying tensions between the two countries.
Subsequently,
a full-fledged war erupted over the disputed territory. The conflict resulted
in significant casualties on both sides, and Bolivia's economy suffered severe
devastation as a result. The war continued for several years until a resolution
was reached during the Conference of American States held in Buenos Aires from
1938 to 1939.
At
the conference, negotiations took place, and an agreement was reached to settle
the dispute. Ultimately, the territory was awarded to Paraguay, thereby
bringing an end to the war. The outcome of the conference was significant in
determining the ownership of the Gran Chaco region and establishing Paraguay's
sovereignty over it.
http://www.aps.gen.nz/149/chaco_war.html
