Western Hemisphere 147
Fatalities: 26–100 deaths
Narrative: Brazil and Peru’s boundary dispute over the Acre-Purus has its origins in a
1777 treaty between Spain and Portugal (the Treaty of San Ildefonso) that drew a line
between the two midway between the Amazon and the mouth of the Mamore. In the
early 19th century Peru pressed its claims to the region, ultimately resulting in 1841
treaty of understanding. However, numerous conflicts followed as Peru tried to mine
rubber (caucho) in the area.
On October 21, 1902, a Peruvian commissioner, buttressed by a garrison of sol-
diers, tried to take possession of the territory. Brazil protested, citing their claim and
preexisting occupation of the area. However, Peru—when pressed by Brazil through
diplomatic channels for an explanation—countered that the right of passage through
the territory was granted by an October 10, 1891, treaty. On June 22, 1903, a similar
incident took place when a Peruvian commissioner attempted to administer part of
the territory already occupied by the Brazilians. When he tried to enter an area near
the Chandless River, he met resistance from Brazilian settlers. What followed were
accusations from both sides. Peru accused Brazil of shooting five Peruvian civilians at
Funil whereas Brazil claimed that Peru took 13 unarmed Brazilians prisoner (of whom
only three escaped) and that the others were executed by Peru.
Diplomacy between the two gained steam in May 1904. Brazil asked for an imme-
diate Peruvian evacuation of the areas already inhabited by Brazil in exchange for a
neutralization of other areas of the disputed territory. The two sides ultimately signed
two agreements on July 12. The first had the ambition of preventing further conflicts
between the two in the Jurua and Purus regions until a conclusive term of agreement
could be reached. The second established arbitration between the two parties for
mutual claims of injury since 1902.
MID#2050
Started in September 1932. See the narrative in the 100 Colombia/140 Brazil dyad
dispute list.
MID#4496
Dispute Number: 4496
Date(s): July 15, 2003
Participants: 140 Brazil/135 Peru
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: A large contingent of Brazilian troops attacked a Peruvian village amid a
cross-border dispute over timber.
135 Peru/145 Bolivia
MID#2320
Dispute Number: 2320
Date(s): April 1875