Office of the Historian

201. Memorandum From Secretary of State Vance to President Carter1

Washington, July 11, 1977

[Omitted here are portions of the document unrelated to Chile]

2. Chile: President Pinochet spoke on July 9 to the issue of Chile’s political evolution.2 Pinochet said Chile is in a period of recuperation which, with increasing civilian participation in the bureaucracy, will last until 1980. This period will be followed by a 4–5 year transition stage, in which the armed forces will govern with the President of the Junta exercising executive power as President of the Republic. The Junta will appoint a legislative chamber in 1980 but within five years thereafter, two-thirds of its members are to be elected. At that time a President will be elected by the legislative chamber and a new Constitution will be promulgated. We have taken the public position today3 that, while not commenting on specific points in the plan, we are pleased with Pinochet’s intention to return Chile to constitutional and elected government and regard the step as a positive one. We said that we would welcome a prompt return to an open, democratic government in Chile and expressed our interest in an early relaxation of the stricter measures in force under the current state of siege. Our Chargé is delivering a similar message to the Foreign Minister.4

[Omitted here are portions of the document unrelated to Chile]

  1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Subject File, Box 18, Evening Reports (State), 7/77. Secret. At the top right corner of the memorandum, Carter wrote: “Cy J.”↩
  2. “Chile’s Leader Outlines A Plan For Civilian Rule,” New York Times, July 11, 1977, p. 7.↩
  3. In telegram 160699 to All American Republic Diplomatic Posts, July 11, the Department sent the text of the noon press briefing related to Chile. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770246-0637) A July 11 action memorandum from Feinberg to Vance, sent through Lake, makes similar points but does not appear to have been sent to Vance. (National Archives, RG59, Policy and Planning Staff—Office of the Director, Records of Anthony Lake, 1977–1981, Lot 82D298, Box 2, TL 7/1-7/15/77)↩
  4. In telegram 5710 from Santiago, July 13, Boyatt reported on his July 12 meeting with Carvajal. Boyatt said that “the United States is pleased with President Pinochet’s announced intention to return Chile to a constitutional and elected government and believes that his plan is a positive step in this direction.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770249-0779) In telegram 174270 to Santiago, July 26, the Department reported that during his July 15 meeting with Cauas, Todman “pointed out that we were pleased in principle with president Pinochet’s speech which outlined a return to constitutionality but are disturbed about the form and timing of the proposed system.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770265-1374)↩