147. Memorandum From Rob Roy Ratliff of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)1

SUBJECT

  • Initial Post-Coup Support in Chile

With the Ambassador’s concurrence, CIA asks for approval to disburse $34,000 which it promised under the 40 Committee’s 20 August 1973 approval—an approval CIA now considers invalid because of the coup.

This action—$25,000 to help the Chilean Society for Industrial Development to purchase a small network of radio stations, and $9,000 to cover travel costs for three Christian Democratic Party members to tour Latin America and Europe explaining their party’s decision to support the new Chilean government—was covered in the previous 40 Committee approval which the Agency, after consultation with State, considers invalid.

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Ironically, Under Secretary Porter said it was not necessary for him to vote on this proposal since it was covered by the earlier Committee action which he considers, in the absence of any contrary action, to remain valid; Defense, JCS and CIA 40 Committee principals approve this action.

RECOMMENDATION:

That you approve CIA’s proposal to expend $34,000.

  1. Summary: Ratliff recommended that Kissinger reapprove a CIA proposal for funding pro-government groups in Chile.

    Source: National Security Council Files, Nixon Administration Intelligence Files, Minutes of 40 Committee. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only; Outside the System. Scowcroft approved for Kissinger on October 15. Jorden concurred with Ratliff’s recommendation. Attached but not published is Tab A, a memorandum for the 40 Committee, October 10. In a Memorandum for the Record, October 15, Ratliff noted that the 40 Committee had telephonically approved the recommendation. (Ibid.) The Agency’s determination that the previous 40 Committee approval was invalid is discussed in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XXI, Chile, 1969–1973, Document 366. On October 11, Kubisch requested Porter’s approval of the CIA proposal. (Department of State, INR/IL Congressional Liaison Files, 1959–1990: Lot 94D565, James Gardner Chron File) On October 16, Gardner confirmed that Porter thought that it was not necessary to vote on the proposal. (Ibid.)