Former Chilean dictator died today. From AP:
Gen.Augusto Pinochet, the fierce anti-communist dictator who ruled Chile with an iron fist from 1973 to 1990, died Sunday from heart complications, the Santiago Military hospital reported. He was 91.
Pinchet left a legacy of death and human rights abuses. Complicit in his crimes was the Nixon administratio, especially Henry Kissinger.
In a 1973 coup Pinochet, with CIA assistance, overthrew the elected government of Socialist president Salvador Allende. The United States government, fearful of other countries electing Marxist candidates, sent a message to Latin America.
"I don't see why we need to stand by and watch a country go communist due to the irresponsibility of its people. The issues are much too important for the Chilean voters to be left to decide for themselves." - Henry Kissinger
Moreover Allende represented a real threat to the multinationals that had a free reign in Chile.
U.S. governement complicity began with the 1970 presidential campaign. As in 1964, the CIA funneled millions to anti-Allende forces to help defeat his candidacy. Immediately after his election, the U.S. governement attempted to assist the prevention of Allende's inauguration.
"It is firm and continuing policy that Allende be overthrown by a coup. It would be much preferable to have this transpire prior to 24 October but efforts in this regard will continue vigorously beyond this date. We are to continue to generate maximum pressure toward this end, utilizing every appropriate resource. It is imperative that these actions be implemented clandestinely and securely so that the USG and American hand be well hidden..." — CIA communique - October 16, 1970
The United States ambassador Edward Korry, reacting to Allende's election, said this:
"Not a nut or bolt shall reach Chile under Allende. Once Allende comes to power we shall do all within our power to condemn Chile and all Chileans to utmost deprivation and poverty."
Through out Allende's presidency, the CIA provided funding to destabalize his governement. And of course, the CIA was complicit in the overthrow and murder of Allende. Kissinger's involvement in the Pinochet coup and the subsequent repression was such that he could face arrest in some foreign countries for crimes committed in Chile.
In the aftermath of the 1973 coup, thousands of Chileans were arrested and murdered. At least 3,100 were confirmed to be executed during Pinochet's regime. Thousands of others disappeared. Tens of thousands more were tortured. The picture above shows some of those who were arrested and later executed. The Nixon administration provided support for Pinochet despite the brutal human rights abuses and disappearences. In fact Kissinger actually encouraged the repression. http://www.monitor.net/...
Milton Friedman, leading free market economimist, gave a series a lectures in Chile. and manynof his "Chicago boys", became advisors top Pinochet. These policies led to an increase in the poverty rate and privatization had a profoundly negative effect on the public school system of Chile.
The aging dictator finally gave up power in 1990. While seeking medical treatment,Pinochet was arrested in London in 1998, and was going to be extradited to Spain to stand trial for his crimes. The British governement intervened, and Pinochet was returned to Chile. Those who spoke out on Pinochet's behalf included Margaret Thatcher and George H.W. Bush.