Eduardo Díez de Medina facts for kids
Eduardo Díez de Medina (born February 8, 1881 – died June 27, 1955) was an important figure from La Paz, Bolivia. He served as Bolivia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship three times. During World War II, he became known for helping many Jewish people in Europe get special Bolivian visas. These visas were very important for their safety.
Eduardo Díez de Medina
A Diplomat for Bolivia
Eduardo Díez de Medina was a key diplomat for Bolivia. He was the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship in 1923, 1925, and again from 1936 to 1939. This role meant he was in charge of Bolivia's relationships with other countries.
He signed an important agreement with Argentina on July 9, 1925. This agreement, called the Carillo-Diez de Medina treaty, helped solve a long-standing border disagreement between Bolivia and Argentina.
He also worked with U.S. Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg on a special plan. This plan aimed to give Bolivia access to the sea through the city of Arica. Bolivia had lost its access to the Pacific Ocean, and getting it back was very important. The plan involved the United States helping Peru and Chile reach an agreement. However, this plan did not happen because the U.S. changed its foreign policy after President Herbert Hoover was elected.
Diez de Medina also helped create another treaty with Peru. This was the Treaty of September 23, 1902, which clearly marked the border between Bolivia and Peru. He also worked as a link between Latin American countries and the League of Nations. The League of Nations was an organization that tried to promote peace and cooperation among countries after World War I.
Helping People During World War II
In 1941, during World War II, Eduardo Díez de Medina took a brave step. He was involved in helping many Jewish people in Europe. At this time, it was very dangerous for Jewish people, and they needed to leave their homes to find safety.
Diez de Medina helped provide Bolivian visas to many people. These visas were like special permits that allowed them to travel to Bolivia and escape danger. It is believed that he helped up to 15,000 Jewish people in cities like Berlin, Warsaw, Kaunas, and Stockholm. More than 1,000 blank immigration permits were found, ready to be given out in places like Warsaw, Hamburg, Genoa, and Paris. His actions helped many people find a safe place during a very difficult time in history.
See also
In Spanish: Eduardo Díez de Medina para niños
