SOCIOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN BORDER AREA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00047R000400370002-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 14, 2002
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: April 29, 1954
• Content Type: REPORT

CLASSIFICATION CONFIDENTIAL
Approved For Rel 2003/1'2/10 : CIA-RDP82-00047Th
CE IeTRAL iivTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
COUNTRY. Brazil/Paraguay
SUBJECT Sociological and Economic Conditions in Border Area
PLACE
ACQUIRED
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DATE
ACQUIRED BY SOURCE
DATE OF INFORMATION
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAIN[ IN..[NATION 100SCTISN TOE NATIONAL OSPESD[
Of THE UNITED STATED, NITHIN THE NEANIN0 0, TI TL[ IS, SECTION. TSS
AHD 7$4, OP THE U.S. CODE, Al AMENDED. ITS TNANLNIf.ION O. NET[.
CATION DI ITS CONTENTS TO ON RECEIPT /T AN UNAUTHONIEED PERIOD IE
INOHISITED IT LAN. THE NEPS000CTION Of THIS Co. IIf /SOM./I T[0.
SOURCE
REPORT NO
CD NO.
DATE DISTR.,9 Apr 54
NO. OF PAGES ,
NO. OF ENCLS.
(LISTED BELOW)
SUPPLEMENT TO
REPORT NO.
THIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATION
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1. The town of Ponta Pora (22?28'S, 55?+'W), located on Brazil side of
Brazilian-Paraguayan border, has a population of about nine thousand.
Native Brazilians make up the bulk of population though there are a few
German, Italian, and Negro families. Farming and ranching are the primary
means of.livelihood.
2. Since 1951 a new high school, trade school, and combination bank and post
office have been built
In additi
.
on, a rail line connecting Ponta Pora azd
Campo,Grande .as been completed, thus providing rail communication with
the coast. Two hospitals exist and major operations can be performed.
Poor people are treated-free. Paraguayan nationals from Pedro Juan Cabal3ero
and surrounding area have Access to hospital facilities of. Ponta Pora
Ponta Pura water system is
dependent on individual wells. Water supply is
adequate' .and purity :good. No, epidemics have occurred due to pollution.
Hospitals provide usual vaccinations and inoculations of children. There
is no refrigeration system for handling of bulk foods, and meat must be
consumed without hanging. Canned products are available in stores.
4. Products of local farms include fruit, corn, cane, mate (tea), vegetables,
and fowl. During occasional bad growing years bank loans are available to
farmers at very reasonable rates. A cooperative frontier spirit prevail-
ing amongst settlers results in ,mutual help as needed. Ranchers ship
cattle to Campo Grande and thence to the coast.
5. Smuggling activity is widespread and virtually Incontrollable between
Paraguay and Brazil. The border is not patrolled for a,?_1 Ivacti,ral puax?-
poses. Most smuggling is done from Paraguay into Brazil and Consists
usually of cattle. Certain luxury items such as perfume, Japanese lace,
and leather goods are also brought into Brazil illegally. Customs stations
between Brazil and Paraguay are symbols of authority only. Inflationary
cycle in Brazil has caused smuggling in recent years to be into the
country. Price of consumer goods is still rising.
6. Paraguayan and Brazilian troops stationed at border towns mingle freely
while off duty. Relations are fairly good except for squabbles and fights
usually following dances and parties. Discipline on duty is lax. ettlers
on. each side of the border cross to and fro without hindrance or formality.
There is relat ve 1~ttle friction between nationals,
CLASSIFIQPTIoN CONFIDENTIAL - end
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Approved For Release 2003/12/10 : CIA-RDP82-00047R000400370002-4