Chile: the balanced view : a recopilation of articles about the Allende years and after

Assessíng the internal and external performance ofthe Chilean military governmenl by normal standards, and taking into account the state of emergency precipitated by the disasterous policies of the Allende regime, one can conclude that the Junta is doing a reasonably good jobo Compared to the dísorder, sUbversion, .economic disaster, and illegalíty permitted orencouraged by its immedíate predecessor, the present regime looks good indeed. It ís far from perfect and ín some areas has been too slow to acknowledge and correc! its faulls. But measured against what ít replaced, one can say wíth confidence that it offers a far better chance for viable polítical and economic development and for Ihe restoration of democrat[c civilian government than the Allende regime ever did. Prospects 01 U.S. Relations with Chile There are two principal barriers to continued and mutually rewarding relations bet– ween the Uníted States and Chile. One is the partíal and unfair reporting of Chilean affairs in influential seclors of the American press. Neither your subcommittee norlhe Congress can do much to remedy thís situation. The second barrier is the determination of a few members of Congress to use U.S. aid as aweapon toforce changes in the internal poi ilical and economic institutions of Chile. For reasons best known tothemselves, these reformers are seeking to punish a regime which is making a serious effort to clear away the wreckage of the "Allende Earthquake," as it is called in Santiago. This subcommittee and the Congress can do something to counter the pressinflated importance of these reformers whose arrogance too long has poísoned our relations wíth Latín America. The first prerequisite for good relations with Chile is respect for her sovereignty and non-interference in her internal affairs. We should recognize that only the Chileans can iínd a Chilean solution to Chilean problems. The present government is facing difficult pro– blems and we should be tolerant of its mistakes which, I belíeve, are due largely to inexperience. Equally important. we should recognize fhe substantial achievements of the govern– ment under extremely adverse circumstances. The Junta's forthright attack on the econo– mic problem, its capacity to maintain internal order, its general respect for the rule of law, and ils commitment lo orderly, peaceful, and legal development merit commendation. More important in determining U.S. policy, however, is the Chilean Government's performance in the international sphere. It has demonstrated its willingness and capacityto keep its foreign economic commitments, it has cooperated effectively with the United States in curbing the illicit drug traffic, and it continues.to pursue a non-aggressive policy toward its Andean neighbors. The government is thus making a significant contribution to regional stability and peaceful development. For these reasons, I believe Chile deserves U.S. support and encouragement. I have not given detailed study to the Administration's modest economic requests for Chile, which ,involve $ 25 million in agricultural loans, $ 1 mili ion in grant technical assistance (Iargely agriculture), and the continuation of PL 480 aid, but I am incl ined to support them. This assistance would help make up for the 1973-74 harvest shortfall and give a boost to the economy. In view of the potential threat lO Chile from the growing superiority of Peru's armored strength and the uncertainty of equipment deliveries from Britain, the Administration's proposed military assistance would appear minima!' The Administration suggests grant aid of $ 800,000 to be used exclusively forthe training of Chilean ofticers and NCOs in U.S. faci lities. Chile has not received any grant mil itary equipment for a number ofyears, but the Administralion proposes non-concessional Foreign Military Sales credit amounting to $ 20.5 mili ion, payable over 7 to 8 years wíth interest. The amounts in both categories are comparable lO those proposed for other South American countries of similar size and importance and within the range of whal has been available to Chile during the Allende periodo 280