146. Telegram 4992 From the Embassy in Chile to the Department of State1

4992. Subj: Conversation with Pinochet.

1. At Colombus Day reception today junta President Pinochet said he would like a quiet moment to talk—so I went by his office at 7 p.m. tonight.

2. Pinochet was gracious and eloquent in expressing disappointment at my transfer. He said Chile greatly needed our help, both economic and military assistance. He added that if the junta government fails, Chile’s tragedy will be permanent. I took the occasion to point out that political problems we are encountering at this time. A discussion of the Kennedy amendment, Teruggi and Horman cases, and the human rights problem ensued. Pinochet indicated that the Chilean government shares fully our concern for human rights, and is doing its best to prevent violations and loss of life. He added that this is not easy, as the left extremists continue to attack officers and soldiers, engage in sniping and attempt acts of sabotage. Half of the extremists’ arms, Pinochet said, are still available to them, and motor and bazooka factories and all matter of other illicit arms manufacturing continue to be uncovered. If the army should let this problem get out of hand, the result would be far greater bloodshed than Chile is presently experiencing. If the left extremists had had their way, and had carried out their own autogolpe plan, there would have been a million dead. Nevertheless, Chile shares our concern and is doing its best. (The foregoing conversation was clearly understood by Pinochet to be private and in confidence).

3. I reiterated assurances of the good will of the USG and our desire to be helpful. I noted that we had some problems which would oblige us to defer consideration of Chilean requests in some areas. So far as economic and military aid are concerned, I said we would want to wait before addressing this question until the Kennedy amendment was clarified through a Senate-House conference. Regarding copper, Pinochet said Chile realizes it should pay compensation. He added, however, that Chile is broke, and will need some help getting on its [Page 400] feet if it is to be able to meet these and other obligations. He asserted that a large part of Soviet and Eastern European aid had been “a fraud”, as Chile had had to pay for it in copper.

4. In conclusion Pinochet said he would like to get together again after Huerta’s return, when Huerta and the junta had had the opportunity to sort out the results of Huerta’s U.S. trip.

Davis
  1. Summary: Davis reported that during a meeting in Pinochet’s office that evening the two men discussed the human rights problem in U.S.-Chilean relations, including the cases of Horman and Teruggi.

    Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Secret; Immediate. Davis formally left his post on November 1; David H. Popper officially replaced him in Santiago on February 22, 1974.