Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXI, Chile, 1969–1973

201. Memorandum for the Record¹

Washington, January 28, 1970.

SUBJECT

• Minutes of the Meeting of the 40 Committee, 28 January 1971

PRESENT

• Mr. Kissinger, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Packard, Mr. John Irwin, Admiral Moorer, and Mr. Helms
• Messrs. Thomas Karamessines, William Broe, Wymberley Coerr, and Arnold Nachmanoff were also present.

[Omitted here is discussion unrelated to Chile.]

Chile—Financial Support of Chilean Opposition Parties for the April 1971 Elections and the Purchase of Media Outlets

Mr. Broe explained the proposals totalling $1,240,000 contained in the CIA paper dated 28 January 1971.² These would provide support to the political opposition to the Allende government—National Party (PN), Christian Democratic Party (PDC), and Democratic Radical Party (PDR). The sum of [dollar amount not declassified] would be split among the three parties to purchase radios, a printing press (for the PN), and to support Party publications. An additional [dollar amount not declassified] would be split among the three parties for the electoral campaigns, with the major portion going to the PDC.

Mr. Mitchell asked for an assessment of the prospects in the municipal elections.

Mr. Broe responded that in these elections there are approximately 250 communes and a total of 1,650 candidates. He stated that it is customary to vote first for the party, then for the candidate in the party. He pointed out that the various parties comprising Allende’s UP coalition basically have 45% of the vote to begin with. Because of these factors it is difficult to be optimistic, but the main objective should be to get out the greatest possible vote in opposition to the UP.

Mr. Kissinger expressed his disappointment with the election prospects and recalled that last fall in Committee discussions concerning the Presidential elections and Allende’s inauguration, cautionary notes had been sounded against taking certain actions because there would be additional opportunities in the forthcoming municipal elections.

Mr. Packard observed that it is important that we do all we can now.

Mr. Mitchell commented that the elections really seem to come down to a pro-Allende or anti-Allende vote and that if the three anti-Allende parties get the most votes then Allende will feel under certain constraints as to how rapidly and how far he can proceed with his Marxist program.

Mr. Broe agreed and reiterated that it is most important to get out the largest possible opposition vote.

Mr. Kissinger asked how probable it is that the Cuban-organized security service will not learn what we are doing in support of the Allende opposition.

Mr. Broe stated that funding arrangements have been worked out very carefully [2 lines not declassified].

Mr. Irwin asked [less than 1 line not declassified].

Mr. Karamessines pointed out that the opposition parties have fund-raising campaigns and that if the proposal is approved for the purchase and support of the various media outlets, [1½ lines not declassified].

Mr. Broe referred to the senatorial campaign for the Senate seat vacated by Allende upon his election to the presidency. [4½ lines not declassified]

Mr. Mitchell stated that he thought [6½ lines not declassified].

Mr. Kissinger observed that without the [4 lines not declassified].

Mr. Broe stated that it was uncertain [2½ lines not declassified].

On this note, the proposals totalling $1,240,000 as outlined in the CIA paper dated 28 January 1971 were unanimously approved.

Frank M. Chapin

1. Source: National Security Council, Nixon Intelligence Files, Subject Files, Chile, 40 Committee Minutes, 1970. Secret; Eyes Only. Drafted by Chapin on April 14. A copy was sent to Mitchell, Packard, Johnson, Moorer, and Helms.
2. Document 200.