Harry S. Truman Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
This is a memorandum written on October 7, 1970, from Henry Kissinger, at the time Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs U. Alexis Johnson, referred to as Alex Johnson in this document. The subject of the document is the state of the United States’ interaction with factions of the Chilean military that would potentially stage a coup to prevent the election of Salvador Allende, and what actions are being taken in attempt to convince them to do so. This document highlights the deep concern the state department had due to the increasing likelihood that Allende would win the runoff.
This shows an aspect of the Track II, a part of said plan that entailed suborning the Chilean military into staging a coup. Seen in the document, there were to approaches to this: threats and hints at rewards if they succeed. These are done in in the context of MAPs (military assistance programs). On the side of threate, this includes withholding military training and material (military specific equipment and materials), and on the side of rewarding includes ship loans, and reverting cuts that were made prior to the election.
“EYES ONLY
FOR AMBASSADOR KORRY FROM DR. KISSINGER AND ALEX JOHNSON
- Highest levels here continue to be very concerned that, with October 24 rapidly approaching, anti-Allende forces in Chile do not seem to be coalescing around any effective action to block his election. We understand from your previous messages that military are entirely aware that if Allende is elected they can expect no further MAP or other support from us. If there is any doubt whatever in their mind in this regard, you should use the channels available to you to make this clear. You have also, in accordance with your recommendation, been authorized to inform them that we are already “holding in abeyance” all MAP, including military training and visits not already underway. You have also been informed that we are suspending action on all requests for processing munitions-control-export licenses for Chilean military. You have also previously been authorized to inform the military that if the effort to block Allende from taking office is successful, the Chilean military will not be ostracized, but rather can continue to count on us for MAP support and maintenance of our close relationship…
- In addition to the foregoing, you are now authorized to inform discreetly the Chilean military through the channels available to you that if a successful effort is made to block Allende from taking office, we would reconsider the cuts we have thus far been forced to make in Chilean MAP and otherwise increase our presently programmed MAP for the Chilean armed forces. In addition to materiel chargeable to MAP, we also have in mind increased ship loans. If any steps the military should take should result in civil disorder, we would also be prepared promptly to deliver support and materiel that might be immediately required. Obviously we cannot, and we assume Chilean forces would not want, support of American personnel in such a contingency.”
Kissinger, Henry and Johnson, Alex. Henry Kissinger and Alex Johnson to Edward Korry, Memorandum, No Subject, October 7, 1970. US National Archives at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/266848767
