In fact, ever since Paraguay began its counteroffensive, Australasia had not interfered much with the Paraguayan army's actions.
The group of officers dispatched at the beginning had also been transformed into a Military Observation Group. After all, by observing the war between the two countries, they could learn something as well.
Meanwhile, Australasia kept estimating the war potential of Bolivia and Paraguay.
The so-called war potential was actually the manpower, material resources, and financial resources the two countries could still expend.
In fact, it was not only Australasia. Britain and France were most likely making similar estimates to determine when to bring the war to an end.
Reality was simply this cruel. Britain and Australasia had long possessed the power to end the war, while also greatly reducing Paraguay's casualties.
But doing so would bring Britain and Australasia no benefit whatsoever. That was why neither country had stepped forward to mediate the war.
For the three Great Powers of Anglo-French-Australasian backing behind this war, whatever the outcome, the most important thing was to secure enough profit from it.
Even if Bolivia, supported by France, ultimately lost, France could still gain a certain amount of profit from Bolivia's massive loans. Overall, it might not lose out after all.
This was also the most fundamental difference between the Great Powers and small countries. The Great Powers were the chess players of the world order. For those playing chess, clashes between the pieces could not hurt them. At most, a defeat would make them lose face.
Judging from Bolivia and Paraguay's overall national strength, the war had lasted so long that both countries had already been heavily depleted.
It could be expected that the war would end this year or next. If it dragged on any longer, neither country would have any living