141. Telegram From the Embassy in Chile to the Department of State1
4177. Subj: Looks Like Allende Is Presidente.
1. It is increasingly likely that Allende will be voted in as President by near unanimity when Congress meets for runoff on Oct. 24.
2. Almost impossible to foresee any action by Frei, his supporters or Armed Forces that would prevent Allende’s taking office.
3. In addition to the Christian Democrats’ successful “negotiations” with Allende, the conservative National Party appears on the verge of reaching an agreement assuring PN support in the congressional runoff. A majority of the PN’s Political Commission favors supporting Allende, and is working out the details of an accommodation.
[Page 344]4. There are increased rumors of an attempt to set in motion a coup by ex-Gen Viaux and some other unguided missiles, but it is our judgment that the army, despite a strong anti-Communist, anti-Allende faction, would not move in Viaux’s support.
5. The Bolivian denouement with its splintering of the Bolivian Army has reinforced the Chilean Army’s desire to protect its own unity, particularly since it recognizes its own vulnerability to fission.
6. Although the economic situation has not improved, neither has it deteriorated in any major way. Most Chileans accept the inevitability of Allende’s election as President.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 CHILE. Confidential; Priority. Copies were sent to Bogotá, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Lima, Rio de Janiero, and USCINCSO for POLAD.↩