Office of the Historian

156. Telegram 303 From the Embassy in Chile to the Department of State1

Santiago, January 18, 1974, 2130Z.

303. Subject: Request for Equipment by Chilean Air Force.

1. I have received letter dated January 15, 1974 from General Leigh, junta member, and CINC Chilean Air Force (FACH) requesting U.S. Government support in acquiring equipment to increase operating efficiency of FACH. Equipment desired is:

A. Fighter-bombers: 18 F–5E aircraft; 18 A–7D aircraft.

B. An air defense system consisting of: 7 groups of 35mm guns (approximately 28 guns); 3 medium range missile batteries; 7 short range missile batteries; 2 fixed warning radars; 4 mobile warning radars; and 4 mobile command and control radars.

2. Letter notes that F–5E acquisition “already underway” and re other items states that for many reasons Chile prefers to acquire equipment from U.S. sources and realizes this will require decided USG support. Leigh requests urgent decision.

3. I am sending interim reply acknowledging receipt of letter and indicating it being forwarded to Washington for consideration. Copies both letters being pouched.

4. Comment: We have been told informally that Chile is attempting to secure credits for the F–5E acquisition from sources outside the U.S. and that the FACH share of any U.S. FMS credits will be applied to other referenced systems (the A–7D and the air defense system). We also understand that Chile is looking at the British MK–2 Buckaneer aircraft as well as the A–7D aircraft and will acquire whichever appears to be first available.

5. Action: Request guidance for definitive reply to General Leigh.

Thompson

  1. Summary: The Embassy forwarded a request from General Leigh for U.S. Government support in acquiring aircraft and an air defense system.

    Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential. Repeated to SecDef, JCS, CSAF, and USCINCSO. In a December 3, 1973, letter to the Northrop Corporation, Leigh expressed the “firm intent” of the Chilean Air Force to purchase fifteen F–5Es and three F–5Fs. Leigh recognized that some elements of the aircraft were government-furnished equipment and would have to be purchased through the U.S. Government, and requested Northrop contact the U.S. Government on the matter. (Memorandum for the Record, January 19, 1974; Washington National Records Center, OSD Files, FRC 330–79 0061, Negotiations–Chile Sales) On January 23, the Department instructed the Embassy to demur if Leigh sought a response to his January 15 request. (Telegram 14758 to Santiago, January 23; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number])

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