CHILE NO RELAXATION
Actions ol the past week leave little prospect that the government will soon relax its tough stance on security or its ban on politics.
ozen former Allende officials were released ont was announced that some charges remained pending against them. Now the navy has begun proceedings against at least six of these persons, including Luis Corvaian, secretary general of the Communist Party, on charges of "subversion."
The Ministry of Interior also announced that the Christian Democraticnot beoice in running the government. The statement came after public airing of correspondence between two party leaders, which in effect reaffirmed the party's desire to reach an understanding with the military government so that the country eventually could return to traditional democratic processes. The government's reactionategorical rejection of any possible constructive dialogue with the party on this basis. The government's statement raised the threat of punishment for activityto terms of the political recess.
One effect of the statement will be toPresident Pinochet's proposal on Septemberocouncil of state,"of former presidents and prominent Chileans, to advise the government. FormerFrel, the most prominent Christian Democrat, will find it even more difficult tonow that his party has been so strongly rebuffed.
Internally, these issues will have little lasting effect. On the international scene, however, they comead time for Chile. Efforts to improve its standing will be severely damaged. Belgium, West Germany, and the UK hope to sponsor aIn the UN condemning Chile's human rights stance. Denmark, France, Luxembourg, and several other countries apparently approve the Belgian draft.
In the meantime, Pinochet conducted an investigation of the
practices within the armed, forces.
mr 1has verified some abus.-against prisoners and lack of notification of the relatives of those detained. Pinochet is said to have orderedecret decree be Issued to delineate procedures for detentions throughout the country. In July, the President warned the high command of the armed forces that severe disciplinary action would result if authority In these areas was "exceeded."
In yet another effort to improve Its image abroad, Chile hasampaign to have6 OAS General Assembly held In Santiago. The regime believes that if Chile succeeds In theserepresentatives of the American nations can see for themselves that Chile's enemies havethe human ngnts rssue. "
Original document.
Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: