Weekly Review
CHILE: CHANGING ADVISERS
President Pinochet'* dismissal off tour ul-traconservatlve civilian advisers seems likely to soften some of the hard-line policies that have been so damaging to the government's image-building attempts.
The advisers' ouster evidently was calculated to check fighting within the regime and toto army complaints about the dictatorial, right-wing Influences created by their presence. Another important motivation undoubtedly was to foster some measure of internationalby eliminating the most vocal exponents of the government's right-wing philosophy.
Less conservative elements within the military and some members of the junta have resented this small rightist clique and have blamed its members for the poor advice given to Pinochet on domestic and foreign affairs. Even conservative politicians who strongly support the government have voiced reservations about the "unhealthy" influence of these advisers, whom one prominent National Party leader described as "semi-fascist."
The outspoken air force member of thec General Leigh, frequently has beenof decisions made at the behest of Pinochet's clvilian_tejrTV_ On several occasions
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caused the President to change WsminajnasreoT away from the more extreme positions advocated by the ultra conservatives.
One of the dismissednja> persuaded Pinochet in July toN human rights investigatingaction that angered Leigh and other governmentand caused widespread denunciation of Chile abroad. The Human Rights Commission released an extremely harsh report in the UN (his week that is certain to stir renewed attacks on the military regime.
Another ol Pinochet's former advisers is said to have been instrumental in devising andcover storieshileans allegedly killed or missing outside the country. Strong evidence thatere killed whiledetention in Chile has evoked sharpin the foreign press. Official claims that
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they were exiles operating Irom Argentina have not been substantiated, and the government's credibility has grown so thin that the wholeisource of acute embarrassment.
Pinochet flkeBBBaJP intends to replace the dismissed civiliansew committee for political matters composed of five high-level army officers. While no dramatic shifts In policy are likely, the move could be an indication that Pinochet finally realizesradual relaxation is long overdue if Chile is to Improve itsimage. The fact that the committee is to be staffed only by army officers, however, hto be misunderstood abroad and may irritate sensibilities within the junta, particularly those of outspoken air force chief General leigh.
In another shiftivilian adviser, Pinochet demanded and received the resignation of respected economist Fernando Lenlz, vice president of the Chilean Copper Corporationormer economy minister. He was dismissedbecause Pinochet and some senior army officers opposed his policies. His replacementeneral believed to be close to Pinochet will give the military closer control over the planned reorganization of the copper corporation. Meanwhile, there are strong indications that another high-level member of the civilian economic team may be leaving the government soon.
Original document.
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