A “Noisy Democracy”: The Decline of Eduardo Frei, January–December 1969
1. National Intelligence Estimate
Summary: This estimate provided a comprehensive assessment of Chilean President Eduardo Frei’s administration and a prediction for the future economic and political scene in Chile in light of the 1969 and 1970 elections. It also included a discussion of the ramifications of a possible victory by the leftist coalition in the 1970 election.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, National Intelligence Council, Job 79R01012A: Intelligence Publications Files (1950–1975), Box 374, Folder 2: (NIE 94–69) Prospects for Chile. Secret; Controlled Dissem. According to a note on the cover sheet, this estimate was prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency with the participation of the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State and Defense, and the National Security Agency. The United States Intelligence Board concurred in this estimate on January 28, with the exception of the Atomic Energy Commission and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, both of which abstained on the grounds that the subject was outside their jurisdiction.
2. Telegram From the Embassy in Chile to the Department of State
Summary: Korry reported on his conversation on economic policy with President Frei.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 1 CHILE–US. Confidential; Limdis. Reference telegrams 1160 and 1161 from Santiago, March 25, Nos. 1 and 2 in this series of telegrams, are Documents 4 and 5 in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XXI, Chile, 1969–1973.
3. Telegram From the Embassy in Chile to the Department of State
Summary: Korry reported on his discussion with Frei regarding political issues in Chile.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 1 CHILE–US. Secret; Exdis. Reference telegram 1161 from Santiago, March 25, is Document 5 in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XXI, Chile, 1969–1973.
4. Memorandum From Arnold Nachmanoff of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Summary: Nachmanoff summarized a cable from Korry requesting that a program loan for Chile be approved by the U.S. Government.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 773, Country Files, Latin America, Chile, Vol. I. Confidential. Kissinger wrote, “Let’s stay on top of this. HK,” in the upper right margin. Eagleburger wrote next to Kissinger’s comment, with an arrow pointing at the comment, “Arnie—note.” Attached but not published is telegram 1567 from Santiago, dated April 21.
5. Memorandum From Viron P. Vaky of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Summary: Vaky provided Kissinger with an update on the Chile program loan.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 773, Country Files, Latin America, Chile, Vol. I. Confidential. Kissinger wrote, “Will see Vaky on this” in the upper right margin. Attached at Tab A is Document 4.
6. Memorandum From the Acting Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Walsh) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Summary: Walsh outlined the ramifications of the agreement between the Government of Chile and the Anaconda copper company.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 773, Country Files, Latin America, Chile, Vol. I. Confidential. Kissinger sent this memorandum to the President under cover of a July 11 memorandum drafted by Vaky, apprising him of the Anaconda agreement. The memorandum is printed as Document 17 in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XXI, Chile, 1969–1973. Enclosures 1 and 2 are attached but not published.
7. Memorandum Prepared in the Office of National Estimates, Central Intelligence Agency
Summary: This report assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the political parties in Chile as the 1970 election loomed. It concluded that Alessandri’s ascent could easily be reversed and that the political situation was very fluid.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 128, Country Files, Latin America, Chile Wrap-Up. Secret.
8. Central Intelligence Agency Weekly Review Special Report
Summary: This Special Report, prepared in the Offices of Current Intelligence, Economic Research, Strategic Research, and in the Directorate of Science and Technology, concluded that the Chilean military was one of the best-trained and least-political in Latin America, but that certain conditions might be enough to spark a military junta or coup.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 773, Country Files, Latin America, Chile, Vol. I. Secret; No Foreign Dissem. Issued by the Office of Current Intelligence to supplement the Current Intelligence Weeklies.