AUGUSTO PINOCHET UGARTE - CHILE

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06620023
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: March 16, 2022
• Document Release Date: October 12, 2016
• Case Number: F-2016-02447
• Publication Date: March 4, 1974

_Approved for Release: 2016/09/30 C06620023
Augusto PINOCHET Ugarte
(Phonetic: peenohCHET)
President of the Military
Junta; Commander in Chief
of the Army
Addressed as:
Mr. President
Commander in Chief
of the Chilean Army
since August 1973, Gen.
Augusto Pinochet, 58,
became President of the
ruling military junta
after he led the
September 1973 coup against President (1970-73)
Salvador Allende. An intelligent, ambitious
and professionally competent infantry officer
and military geographer, Pinochet enjoys the
admiration and respect of fellow officers. He
has been friendly toward US officials in Chile
and has exhibited a high regard for the US mili-
tary establishment. Pinochet has never been
involved in partisan politics and has shown dis-
dain for politicians of all persuasions, blaming
them for the economic and political problems that
necessitated the overthrow of Allende. A man
known for his toughness, he has stated that he
will tolerate no opposition to the government.
CHILE
Outwardly tough, rigid and disciplined, Pinochet
is at times indecisive. Quiet, mild-mannered and
businesslike, he is dedicated and hard-working; he
nevertheless enjoys parties. The general smokes
cigarettes and prefers to drink Scotch and pisco
sours. He is interested in sports and likes to
discuss world military problems. He has written
at least three books on geography, one of which
has been used as a high school text.
Married to the former Lucia Hiriart Rodriguez,
the President has five children and six grandchildren.
He speaks some French and only a little English.
4 March 1974
Approved for Release: 2016/09/30 C06620023