History 20W Essay and ticket in assignment

Approved for Release July 2000 18 November 1970

SUBJECT: Report on CIA Chilean Task Force Activities, 15 September to 3 November 1970

1. General

a. On 15 September 1970, CIA was directed to try to prevent

Marxist Salvador Allende's assent to the Chilean presidency on

3 November. This effort was to be independent of concurrent endeavors

being undertaken through, or with the knowledge of, the 40 Committee,

Department of State, and Ambassador Korry.

b. Briefly, the situation at that time was the following:

Allende had attained a plurality of only some 40, 000

in the Chilean popular vote for president. Jorge

Alessandri, a conservative and the runner-up, would

face Allende in a.Congressional run-off on 24 October

The run-off winner would be invested as president on

3 November.

Allende's designation as president by Congress was

very probable given all known factors in 'the Chilean

political equation.

Given the. dismal prospects of a political formula

being worked out to prevent Allende's designation

as president by Congress, remaining alternatives

centered around overcoming the apolitical, constitu-

tional-or'iented inertia of the Chilean military.

U. S. Government intentions were highly suspect,

particularly in Allende and certain government

sectors. Suspicions eztended to all Americans in

Chile for whatever declared purpose. In addition,

the Chilean military were being monitoredguite

closely by the Allende forces for warning signals

of any interventionist proclivities.

Z. S ecial Or anization

a. A Chilean Task Force was assembled and functioning three

days after CIA was assigned the mission. It was headed

and highly-. qualified CIA recalled from thei

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osts specifically for this purpose. A special communi-

cations channel was set up simultaneously to Santiago, Chile, and

Buenos Aires, Argentina, to handle sensitive cable traffic for the

Task Force.

It consisted of four CIA officers with the appearance,

language, and arperience to sustain the fiction of various foreign

nationalities. They were recalled from their overseas posts to

Washington, briefed, and inserted individually into Chile

nationals. In Santiago, their only U, S. contact was a CIA officer who

had resided in Santiago

established con+et with

Chilean intermediaries or principals interested in promoting a

military coup.

c. By a special (and unique) arrangement requested by CIA,

the U, S. Army Attache in Santiago was placed under operational

direction of the CIA Chief of Station there. His assistance and

Chilean military contacts were invaluable in this program

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3. The Dual A roach: Constitutional and Cou

a. Prospects for inducing Congress to vote for Alessandri

rather than Allende were never bright and, they all focused on

inspiring a reluctant, indecisive President Fxei to assume an out-

of-character role: dynamic leadership within his own party, with

the "persuadables" in Congress, and with the military, Frei was

under no illusions about Chile's fate under an Allende regime.

"Chile has a very short future, " he said, "and after 4 November it will only have a past. "

b. Initially, Frei was willing to consider and even advocate a

constitutional solution: the so-called Frei re-election gambit. The

question was whether he would be willing to commit his prestige

completely in following through on such a difficult political maneuver

with the outcome, at best, unassu'red. The basic gambit consisted

of marshalling enough Congressional votes to elect Alessandri over

Allende with the understanding Alessandri would resign immediately

after inauguration and pave the way for a special election in which

Frei could legally become a candidate. As a preliminary step, Frei

coordinated Alessandri's post-election statement that if he were

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selected for the presidency by Congress, he (Alessandri) would

resign. The thrust of CIA's endeavors, then, was to use every

plausible pressure combined with inducements to. move Frei down

this path. To this end, virtually overnight CIA mobilized an inter-

locking political action and propaganda campaign designed both to

goad and entice Frei into following through on the re-election

gambit.

c. At the same time, recognizing the fallibilities of Frei, CIA

focused on provoking a military coup. This undertaking was segre-

gated from that of the Frei re-election gambit with the intention that

it be pursued independently of Frei if necessary, but with his acqui-

escence if possible.

4. Pro a anda Cam ai

a. The propaganda campaign was tailored to generating concern

about Chile's future in terms which would condition the thinking and

actions of the three key elements in the Chilean political equation:

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Frei himself, the Chilean political elite, and the Chilean military

(the latter two of which could well bring collateral influence to bear

on Frei). Each of these elements had hastened to rationalize its

acceptance of an Allende presidency. Their palliative was the built-

in checks and balance of Chile's demonstrated reverence for democ-

racy and constitutionality, sweetened by Allende's promise to honor

these traditions.

b. After the 4 September popular vote, the world press had

tended to treat the prospect of witnessing the first freely-elected

Marxist head of state take office as a curious aberration of democ-

racy 'rather than a politically significant event. Press interest and

coverage was relatively light until the 'Allende forces fortuitously

provided an attractive issue which could be exploited. By

15 September, it became apparent that Allende. was conducting a

rather blatant campaign to intimidate the Chilean information media

through threats of assassination and violence, takeovers by so-called

worker organizations, and ultimatums to the management of news-

papers and radio stations. Allende's purpose was to smother any

opposition to his election by Congress and to take advantage of that

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peculiarly Latin, and' pronounced Chilean, propensity to 'jump on an .

accelerating bandwagon -- ideals and the country's welfare to the

contrary'. A major target of Allende was "El Mercurio", the most

prestigious newspaper in Chile and the major oppos'ition voice to

Allende 'up to that time. CIA mounted a propaganda campaign

centered' aroun'd "El Mercurio" and the issue of Allende brazenly

taking his first step in "communizing" Chile by attacking freedom n.

of the press and, worse, with the election still unsettled. Covert

action resources were used to launch:

Cables of support/protest from leading newspapers

throughout Latin America to "El Mercurio"

A protest statement from the International Press

Associatio

"Freedom of the press in Chile is being

strangled by Communist and Marxist forces and

their allies. ")

World press coverage of the International Press

Association protest and on the details of the

Comznunist efforts to seize control of the Chilean

press.

A program of journalists -- actual agents and other-

wise -- travelling to Chile for on-the-scene reporting.

(By 28 September, CIA had in place in, or enroute to,

Chile 15 journalist agents from 10 different countries

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This cadre was supplemented by 8 xnore journalists

froxn 5 countries under the direction of high level

agents who were, for the most part, in xnanagerial

capacities in the media field. )

As a result of the ensuing furore, Allende -'- sensitive to world

-opinion and attempting to project the image of a moderate, non-

dogmatic socialist -- 'decided to become more circumspect, By

25 Septeznber, heavy-handed intimidation of the press had virtually

ceased.

c. Allende's show of strength had made its point however; the

Chilean pxess, including uEl Mercurio", never did regain its

resiliency and remained thoroughly muted from thereon out. Lack-

gtl Mf 4 n t g t I ply f

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propaganda inside Chile, CIA had to rely increasingly on its own

resources:

an underground press dependent upon direct mail

distribution;

placement of individual news items through agents

against the resistance of a cowed management; I

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financing of a new, albeit small, newspaper;

subsidy of an anti-Allende political group and its

radio programs, political advertisements, and

political rallies; and,

direct mailing of foreign news articles to Presi-

dent Frei, Mrs. Frei, selected military leaders,

and the Chilean domestic press.

This effort did not, and could not, replace a Chilean press, fully

operative and free of restraint. Virtually alone, it did keep the

voice of public opposition alive inside Chile for coup purposes

during the final weeks of this period.

d. The magnitude of the propaganda campaign mounted during

this six week period in the Latin American and European media--

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aside from the U. S. , the two "outside" areas with, by far, the

greatest influence on Chile -- is evident from the fact that only

partial returns show 726 articles, broadcasts, editorials, and

similar items as a direct result of agent activity. Just how many

of these items were replayed is not known

Nor, has CIA any idea of the scope of the

immeasurable multiplier effect —— that is, how much its "induced"

news focused media interest on the Chilean issues and stimulated

additional coverage —— except that& even by conservative standards,

this contribution must have been both substantial and significant.

e. Special intelligence and "inside" briefings were given to

U. S. journalists in deference to the international influence of the

U. S. media. Particularly noteworthy in this connection was the

Time cover story which owed a great deal to written materials and

briefings provided by CIA. The Time correspondent in Chile who

was providing much of the background material for the story

apparently accepted Allende's protestations of moderation and

constitutionality at face value. CIA briefings in Washington

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changed the

basic thru'st of the story in the final stages according to another

Time correspondent. It provoked Allende to complain on

13 October, "We are suffering the most brutal and horrible pres-

sure, both domestic and international, " singling out Time in

particular as having "openly called" for an invasion of Chile.

5. Political Action

a. The political action program had only one purpose: to

induce President Frei to prevent Allende's election by the Congress

on 24 October and, failing that, to support -- by benevolent neutrality

at the least and conspiratorial benediction at the most -- a military

coup which would prevent Allende from taking office on 3 November.

Realistically, the task was one of attempting to recast Frei, as a

political personality, in a role demanding decisiveness and

"machismo" to a degree that, thus far, had eluded him. Pressures

from those whose opinion and/or approval he valued -- in combination

with adequate propaganda orchestrations -- represented the only hope

of converting Frei.

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Allende as president would be an unparalleled

disaster for Chile (Frei agreed).

Frei had both the power and obligation to prevent

this.

In the event Frei's re-election gambit succeeded,

the U. S. Government would be prepared to provide

substantial support for Frei's presidential campaign

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c. In Europe and Latin America, prominent and influential

members of the Christian Democratic movement as well as the

Catholic Church were prompted to visit Frei or send personal

messages to him urging that he save Chile. Some of these endeavors

were the following:

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The West German Christian Democratic Party--

which enjoyed special equities with Frei by virtue

of generous support to the Christian Democrats in

Chile over a range of many years -- dispatched

several top-level emissaries to Chile. They con-

tacted Frei and other Christian Democratic leaders

in Chil

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one of the international figures

in Catholicism most respected by Frei, sent a

personal message indicating that Frei and his

party must oppose Marxism.

of the Italian

Christian Democratic Party -- which had good

fraternal relations with Frei and his party--

refused to intervene. (He said it was a hopeless

situation and he saw no point in risking his reputa-

tion in a lost cause. )

Collateral efforts were made to influence Frei or those close to

Frei, such as:

Influential lay Catholics sent messages to or

visited the Vatican.

through a series of lay

and clerical pressures from other countries, was

dissuaded from ceding an Allende victory prior to

his Congressional election actually taking place. . Telegrams were sent Mrs. Frei from women' s

groups in other Latin American countries.

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Foreign press items were mailed directly to Frei,

Mrs. Frei, and Christian Democratic Congressmen

in Chile.

Intelligence was surfaced indicating that, once in

power, the Communists intended to denigrate Frei

as the first step in the dissolution of his party.

d. In spite of everything, Frei never asserted himself. Indeed, i

he'failed to attend or to influence otherwise the 3-4 October Congress I

of his party at which time it was decided by a substantial margin to

make a deal with Allende. With that decision, the Frei re-election

gambit died and constitutional alternatives had been exhausted. Sub-

sequently, Frei did manage to confide to several top-ranking military

officers that he would not oppose a coup, with a guarded implication

he might even welcome one. Yet, when a coup opportunity and

situation presented itself upon the assassination of Army Commander

in Chief Schneider, Frei moved quickly away from it.

6. ~Mt rc' a. After early October -- absent any evidence that Frei was

responding, politically speaking, to artificial respiration -- a

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military coup increasingly suggested itself as the only possible

solution to the Allende problem. Anti-Allende currents did assist

in the military and the Carabineros, but were immobilized by:

the tradition of military respect for the Constitution;

the public and private stance of General Schneider,

Commander in Chief of the Army, who advocated

strict adherence to the Constitution;

fear of the reaction of non-commissioned officers

who tended to harbor pro-Allende sympathies; and,

a strong propensity to accept Allende blandishments

to the effect that the military had little to fear from

Although individual officers among the top leadership of the military

and Carabineros were pre-disposed to take action, they felt the Army

was central to a successful coup, and, as long as General Schneider

remained the head of the Army, the Army could not be counted upon.

General Schneider's attitude could. only be changed through the

personal intervention and forceful advocacy of a coup by President

Frei; something, it became obvious, the latter was most unlikely to

bring himself to do.

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b. ad a wide range of

excellent contacts among the military with whom he enjoyed

unusually close, frank, and confidential' relationships.

As a general rule,

members of the "illegal" team initiated and picked up those contacts

with the highest risk potential, that is, those individuals whose

credentials, reliability, and security quotient were unproven and

unknown.

c. Between 5 October and 20 October, the CIA Station

made contacts with key military and Carabinero otficials. These contacts

required a high degree of overt plausibility or clandestinity since,

by that time, Allende was acutely aware that only the military

remained between himself and the presidency, and, accordingly,

monitored the activities of key military figures quite closely.

Through direct contact, the

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the

and the

advised

of the U. S. Government desire to deny Allende the presidency and

its willingness to support a coup attexnpt.

and the

privy to the U. S. position through trusted

The

ere made

high-level military inter-

xnediaries.

d. During this same period in October, the "illegals" estab-

lished direct contact and conducted negotiations with the leadership

of the two incipient coup "movements" involving the greatest risk:

claimed to

have 4, 000 men organized in the greater Santiago

area. He requested arms and ammunition from his

"illegal" contact. When it developed that

was somewhat eccentric and had little, if any,

organization of the scope claixned, contact w'as

dropped.

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All activities of retired Army General Viaux

were being carefully scrutinized by both Allende

and General Schneider during this period because--

having led the unsuccessful Tacna regiment revolt

in October 1969 -- he was a known dissident with

some residue of influence in the Army. Viaux

was contacted by several "illegals" at different

points of negotiation with. him. He requested a

sizeable air'drop of arms and ammunition in the

countryside (which was denied as unrealistic under

the circumstances), substantial financial support

life insurance policies for his princi-

pals (up to $250, 000 in coverage was agreed upon)

and paralyzing gas grenades (which were not

diatel available) ~ Finally, it bimme ecame evi dent

that Viaux did not have the organization or support

to carry out a successful coup, but might trigger

prematurely an action that would spoil the better

chances of doing so from within the active duty

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military itself. Direct contact was suspended

and an alternate channel of emergency conununi-

cation was established.

e. Eventually, the best prospects for a successful coup were

developed among the high-level military contacts. On 18 October,

General Valenzuela, who was in command of the Santiago Garrison,

advised that he, f

were prepared to sponsor a coup& The plan was to: '

kidnap General Schneider;

have the command of the Army'pass to the next

in line, General Pratts who at least was not

dogmatically opposed to a coup

most of Frei's cabinet would resign and be replaced

by military and Carabinero members;

Frei would renounce the presidency and leave the

country; and,

a military junta would be installed.

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Indications were that Frei was aware of the main elements of this

plan as were a few cabinet members. The only assistance requested

by Valenzuela to set the plan in motion through Schneider's abduction

was several sub-machineguns, ammunition, a few tear gas grenades,

and gas masks fall of which were provided) plus $50, 000 for expenses

(which was ready to be passed upon demand).

f. On 2Z October, General Schneider was mortally wounded on

his way to work. General Pratts was appointed to command the

Army in place of Schneider. Frei made a strong statement denouncing

the assassination and declared a state of emergency; as a result

thereof, General Valenzuela assumed control of the Santiago area.

In effect, the military were in control of Chile and in an excellent

position to follow through with a successful coup irrespective of Frei's

actions or inactions. They did not -- probably because of the strong

reaction of Frei and the public to the Schneider affair and lack of any

positive encouragement from Frei. Their rationale is not certain at

this stage, nor, for that matter, is it certain who or what group was

ultimately responsible for Schneider's assassination. The Valenzuela

grou j claimed that it was not and that all materiel passed~ to it is still

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in its possession unused. In any event, the opportunity for a coup

soon passed; and, Allende mas easily elected by Congress on

24 October and quietly inaugurated on 3 November.

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