CHILE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85T00875R001100100153-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 11, 2005
• Sequence Number: 153
• Publication Date: December 2, 1971
• Content Type: IM

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OCI No. 2260/71
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Directorate of Intelligence
.2 December 1971
(Situation Report - As of 1200 PM EST)
1. The nightlong violence in Santiago set off by a
women's demonstration against the government on 1 December
is a significant escalation of steadily rising tensions
between the Allende Government and its opponents.
2. A state of emergency declared in Santiago Province
this morning puts the area under military, control and empowers
the governrent to make arre;;ts without warrants, impose news
censorship, and ban all parades and demonstrations. The two
major opposition radio stations in Santiago have been closed
by official order. However, ,a farewell rally for Castro will
be held this eveni-.ug.
3.. The city is calm, and Congress is meeting in special
.session to consider last night's events and the National Party's
.charges against Interior Minister Toha for not pro.tec:ing the
demonstrators.
4. The demonstration had bee:i advertised in the press by
the sponsoring Christian Democrats and National Party groups
as a protest .over growing food shortages and the Castro vis.tt.
An exceptionally large crowd turned out. The administration,
which had apparently underestimated the appeal of t1'. a issues,
provided only minimal police escort. When radicals of the
Movement of the Revolutionary Left attacked the women, police
reinforcements used teargas and other riot measures against
both groups. Many bystanders became involved since it was at
busy traffic hour and location
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5. After the demonstration was broken up, scattered
violence broke out in various areas of Santiago. At 0330
Toha went on a national radio and television network to
announce the bar, on street marches and to blame the outbreak
on seditious plotting by opposition forces.
6. Both sides appear surprised by the extent of the
violence, and it is too early to gauge its long-term effect.
Students, workers, and other groups have become increasingly
critical of the effects of the Allende government's policies
and have clashed frequently in recent weeks with radical
?government supporters. The police have often been drawn in
to restore order.
?7. Only recently have the divergent opposition groups
shown some ability to work together to capitalize on the
dissatisfaction. Their continuing differences and the statE
of emergency will probably inhibit further demonstrations.
The Allende Government, on the other hand, risks further public
displeasure if it takes more repress.. measures. It will
probably Lean heavily on propaganda efforts to picture any
expression of opposition as instigated by the right and possibly
the US to bring down the government,
Approved For Release 2005/08/22 : CIA-RDP85T00875RO01100100153-6