◆ SpookStack

RET I groups like the truckers, in order to achieve this objective. The Ambassador had agreed that these soundings should be taken, even though he did not concur in the proposed action believing that this could lead to a de facto U. S. Government commitmerit to a military coup; On 25 August Headquarters advised the Station that soundings were being taken to determine. if the proposed support was consistent with current U. S. policy toward Chile. This proposal''was never approved, Thus, no funds were provided in 1 973 or in 'l972 to the truckers or other private sector groups striking against the Allende government. As tension inside Chile increased, reports of a possible military coup began to be recei'ved with increasing frequency and a series of cables were sent to Santiago expressing concern lest .the Station be drawn into any proposed military activity As early as September 1972 the Station had been told that it was imperative that the U. S Government not be involved .in any coup plo'tting. Headquarters advised the Station that "while we must monitor events, we cannot in any way influence them. " This warning was repeated in May 1973. The S and complied. '::The Station, therefore, mainta tation acknowledged ined. contacts with sources in the 'military for intelligence collection purposes only - On 1 1 September 1 973, the military moved quickly and. -:, effectively to take over the government. After the coup as authorized t commitments previously made to opposition org o liquidate anszataons.