Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980 Volume XXIV, South America; Latin America Region

219. Telegram From the Embassy in Chile to the Department of State¹

Santiago, June 21, 1978, 1737Z

4681. Submect: Letelier/Moffitt Assassination Investigation: Revised Scenario. Ref: Santiago 4650;² TelCon Landau/Steven June 20³

1. In view of Foreign Minister Cubillos’—not totally unexpected but still shocking—refusal to accept Deputy Secretary Christopher’s invitation for a bilateral, I must reappraise my recommendations contained in RefTel and believe that a more drastic and immediate signal is called for.

2. Cubillos’ refusal to meet with Christopher underlines the hardline attitude of the two new civilian ministers, Fernandez and Cubillos, in the Letelier case. Cubillos, who came to his job with a marked pro-U.S. attitude, undertook a number of favorable initiatives for us for which he was severely rebuked. He told me, for instance, that Pinochet was unhappy that Cubillos urged him to see the AFL-CIO visiting team which, after their meeting, made a number of negative statements regarding the GOC’s labor policy.⁴ There were other similar incidents. Partly to regain credibility with Pinochet and partly because neither Fernandez nor Cubillos feel any sense of responsibility for the Letelier murder, they adopted a tougher line which caters to Pinochet’s natural stonewalling instincts.⁵

3. In reftel, I expressed the view that a statement of non-cooperation might well be counterproductive. It could help Pinochet rally internal support. That risk is real. But, following the Cubillos’ refusal to meet with the Deputy Secretary, I think we must run that risk in the hope, small though it may be, that the declaration will force Pinochet to reconsider the GOC’s present posture. Thus, I have concluded that we should link my return for consultation with a statement complaining about lack of cooperation.⁶

4. I suggest that the Department of Justice issue this statement on Friday, June 23. I will depart Friday night. The statement will be in the U.S. and Chilean press on Saturday. At the noon briefing on Monday, June 26, any question whether my return was connected with the Justice complaint can be answered affirmatively, thus establishing linkage and clear signal to the GOC.

5. I suggest strongly that the statement Friday be issued by Justice (before my departure from here) and not by State, to give me more maneuverability. On my return to Santiago, I would plan to seek an early appointment with Pinochet to reiterate our requests and, as appropriate, inform him of measures the USG intends to take if cooperation is not forthcoming (the topic of our discussions next week, and on which I will bring recommendations).⁷

Landau

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780259-0300. Secret; Immediate; Stadis; Exdis.
2. June 20. See footnote 3, Document 218.
3. Not found.
4. In telegram 4206 from Santiago, June 5, the Embassy reported that the AFL-CIO visitors “emphasized the support of U.S. labor for independent trade unionism and for a prompt return to full trade union freedoms.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780234-0388)
5. The CIA reported “since Pinochet’s political survival is dependent upon Contreras’ fate,” the GOC strategy was to “stonewall any further requests from the U.S. government that would serve to build a case against Contreras and other Chileans.” (CIA Report, June 23, 1978, National Archives, RG 59, Office of the Deputy Secretary: Records of Warren Christopher, 1977-1980, Lot 81D113, Box 31, Human Rights—Chile II)
6. In telegram 159865 to Santiago, June 22, the Department transmitted the text of a statement to be made at noon on June 23: “Ambassador George W. Landau is being recalled from Santiago for consultations with officials of the State and Justice Departments concerning the Letelier/Moffitt assassination investigation. The Chilean authorities have not been forthcoming on important requests by the Justice Department which have been pending for some time.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780261-0390) In telegram 160635 to Santiago, June 23, the Department transmitted a transcript of the portion of that date’s noon briefing that concerned Chile. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780263-0008)
7. Landau’s memorandum with recommendations is in the National Archives, RG 59, Office of the Deputy Secretary: Records of Warren Christopher, 1977–1980, Lot 81D113, Box 31, Human Rights—Chile II.