160. Memorandum From President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to Secretary of State Rogers and Secretary of Defense Laird1

SUBJECT

  • Chile

The President has reviewed the Department of State’s memorandum of October 18 regarding interim decisions to be made on US-Chilean relations,2 and has made the following decisions:

1. He does not wish to send a personal congratulatory message to Allende on his election.

2. He approves the preparation of a public statement for use by State to comment on the October 24 elections. This statement should note the completion of the Chilean electoral process and the importance the US attaches to those principles upon which cooperation and peace in the Hemisphere depend. It should also guide other USG spokesmen.

3. He does not approve the initiation by us of substantive discussions with Allende prior to the inauguration. The Ambassador may make a courtesy call on the President-elect if, but only if, protocol requires, and provided a majority of chiefs of mission have done so. In such a courtesy call, the Ambassador should not initiate substantive discussions. If Allende raises substantive matters, the Ambassador should limit himself to answering direct questions, within the framework of the public statement mentioned in point 2 above. He should note Allende’s statements or affirmations and merely observe that [Page 404] with reference to them we shall duly watch for the actions of his government.

4. He has directed that prompt, private consultations be undertaken with key Latin American countries to outline our views and concerns in detail, including those things for which we will be watching and which would constitute cause for concern, as well as to lay the basis for future coordination of our policies toward Chile. He has asked that instructions be sent to appropriate Embassies as soon as possible.

5. He has approved the designation of Assistant Secretary of State Meyer to head a small low-key delegation to the inauguration.

6. He has authorized the immediate resumption of military equipment deliveries and military training on a selected basis.

7. He approves in principle the gradual and deliberative reduction and phase-down of the US presence. Specific plans for reduction of personnel and phase-down of activities are to be worked out by the Department of State with appropriate agencies.

8. He has specifically reviewed Ambassador Korry’s recommendation on the phase-out of AFTAC and has approved it. He has di-rected that State and DOD work out plans to begin this phase-out immediately.

Henry A. Kissinger
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15 CHILE. Secret; Nodis. A copy was sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Director of Central Intelligence.
  2. See footnote 1, Document 159.