The Role of José M. Balmaceda in Preserving Argentine Neutrality in the War of the Pacific
FTER SEPARATING from Spain, the Latin American republics established boundaries similar to those within the Spanish Empire. These boundaries were vaguely defined and usually ran through deserted territories, so that when explorations opened up these areas, and economic interests appeared, disputes ensued between many of the republics. In fact, the history of nineteenth-century diplomatic relations within South America can be told largely in terms of vexing border disputes. Chile 's history is no exception. One major border controversy brought Chile into the War of the Pacific (1879-1883) against Bolivia and Peru, while another with Argentina threatened to bring the latter to the aid of Chile's opponents. The controversy which led to the War of the Pacific centered in the Atacama Desert, located on the west coast of South America in the desolate Peruvian and Bolivian provinces of Tacna, Arica, Tarapaca, and Antofagasta. Rich guano beds located there had great value as sources of nitrates, mineral salts, and fertilizers, and both Chilean and European industry showed interest in the area.' In 1866 Chile and Bolivia, under duress of a common danger, signed a treaty agreeing to the twenty-fourth parallel as Bolivia's southern boundary. At the same time they consented to share the proceeds from the mineral wealth lying between the twenty-third and twenty-fifth parallels, and Bolivia agreed to impose no export duties on Chilean guano.2 This vague adjustment did not reduce the jealousy and distrust between the two countries, and they made a further attempt at a definite settlement in 1874 without success.3 Late