A grandiose scheme for using Jewish man power to bulwark Paraguay against Bolivia or some other possible “Aggressor” was unfolded today in an interview with Paraguayan Consul Carlos Kaiser and Charles Leon, Chancellor of the Consulate.
The Consulate is building up a list of prospective immigrants among Austrian Jews who will be enabled to find homes in Paraguay provided the steamship lines change their present policy of refusing to sell third-class tickets to Jewish emigrants and Argentina grants transit visas.
Meanwhile, the Consulate is registering names and selling information brochures on Paraguay for 50 groschen, or a schilling each, getting 150 queries daily.
“It is natural that our Government expedite matters for Jewish men of military age who declare themselves ready to fight for Paraguay if the need arises,” Mr. Leon declared. “Indeed we think it a splendid idea if the Government take these men into the army for a year to become acclimated, learn the language and get to know our customs.
“Furthermore, such an arrangement will enable young immigrants to live under Government wages for a year instead of having to try to wrest a living from the soil from the first day of arrival. After a year’s military service the young men would get the ten hectares we are promising each agriculturist.”
Describing the old Austrian system of populating the Turkish frontier with military-trained peasantry, Mr. Leon declared: “Such a plan might be entirely feasible for Paraguay, and we hope to present the idea for the serious consideration of our Government.”
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