Skip to content

September 15, 1973

Note on Military Coup in Chile by S.K. Arora, Deputy Secretary, Americas

This document was made possible with support from Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY)

SECRET

Note on Military Coup in Chile

Prepared by S.K. Arora, Deputy Secretary, AMS, Americas Division, MEA

DATE: September 15, 1973

TO: JS(AMS)

 

…It would be difficult to draw any definite conclusions about the possibility of external interferences in Chilean affairs as the domestic situation was explosive enough to enable the defense forces to overthrow President Allende’s Government without outside help; a majority of the population groaning under the crumbling economy would perhaps be prepared to suffer a spell of military rule. However, keeping in view the earlier attempts of the CIA to block President Allende’s inauguration through the agency of International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation, the possibility of external encouragement to the armed forces cannot be totally eliminated. There have been reports, denied by the US Government that he United States had advance knowledge of the impending coup. The White House has categorically denied any involvement with Chilean affairs. In any case, the United States would be happy at the downfall of the leftist government in Chile. It would also be a setback to the leftist elements of Latin America.

 

India’s relations with Chile have always been friendly but they became warmer with the assumption of power by President Allende. During the Bangladesh crisis, the Chilean Government showed a very sympathetic understanding of the situation in the sub-continent. As early as September 1971 the Chilean Government agreed to receive an unofficial delegation from Bangladesh and during the General Assembly Resolution of December 7, unlike other Latin American countries (excluding Cuba), she abstained from voting on this Resolution.

 

 

Speculates about the CIA's potential role in the coup in Chile.

Author(s):


Associated Places

Associated Topics

Document Information

Source

File No. WII/101/20/73 – Vol. II. Obtained by Ryan Musto.

Original Archive

Rights

The History and Public Policy Program welcomes reuse of Digital Archive materials for research and educational purposes. Some documents may be subject to copyright, which is retained by the rights holders in accordance with US and international copyright laws. When possible, rights holders have been contacted for permission to reproduce their materials.

To enquire about this document's rights status or request permission for commercial use, please contact the History and Public Policy Program at [email protected].

Original Uploaded Date

2016-05-04

Type

Note

Language

Record ID

133968

Original Classification

Secret

Donors

Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY)