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NATIONAL ENCE ABU.
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NoticetolaHWjtnctsna MHhe* InwheS NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION
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fffte'ulJtContrerae,
in Baitonat Intelligence Directorate,Meek Ln the amierinationl-indo Letelier. Veeauvc it ie ic VtuXd not have acted vithout , the rrtcidentounh tinejvKaoiidjte hii> political ;ioeilion. 9tatron the rulinj ,'unta
ouster was the culmination of hir lonqntandinqtn Pinochet over tho political future of tho country. In this instance, Leigh's personal criticism of Pinochet durino an intervieworeign correspondent was too much for tho President, who was supported by the other Junta mopbers and the Council of Ministers. Leinh's removal eliminates Pinoch-L's most critical colleague and strengthens the President's control over tho Junta.
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Pinochet apparently believes nis position is shaky. In recent weeks, ho has been campaigning throughout the countryontinuation of his government. He has been arguing that many of Chile's domestic problems would become unmanageable if he were removed. Pinochet also has been successful in playinq upon fears that Chile is being encircled by unfriendlyand that it is often tho victim of foreign intervention in its domestic affairs.
One result of his campaign has been the formationeraonTrHat political vehicle supporting the President. Tho Christian Oenocrats and other opposition politicians have been critical of this, but they are notosition to hinder lt if Pinochet Judges that the public is in fn--or. The President has substantial populer appeal, but personal movements have had loss success in Chile than in other Latin American countries.
j)CS s
Pros may bc ship
Despite Pinochet's efforts, some militaryavo been conducting low-key discussions on the ^ lLTiTity of replacing him. For the few who have considered theiability for some time, the prospect that Controras be indicted arqucslean swoop of tho current loader-
condemned
tional reputation will be even more tarnished.
will terna-
it is
For the majority who still support Pinochet, however, Bf way to preserve tho accomplishments of thes to keep him in power. Although they have little else both groups believe that Contreraa andnew by the world media and that Chile's into
nd nnot
. Whatever happens during tho next several weeks, olear-Ellat Pinochet is prepared to fight any move to oust him. His inclination is to tough it out, relying on his military an popular support as well as on his belief that he himself canno be indicted in the Letelier murder. Whothor ho nil be *blc to ride out the storm is an open question.
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Original document.
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