Roberto Viaux

General Roberto Viaux Marambio (born 1917) was the primary planner of the failed coup d'état attempt in Chile on October 22, 1970, aimed at preventing Socialist Salvador Allende's election. An important aspect of his plot involved the kidnapping of constitutionalist Chilean Army Commander-in-Chief General René Schneider, who was adamantly opposed to any prospect of a coup.

Related Topics:
1917 - Coup d'état - Chile - October 22 - 1970 - Socialist - Salvador Allende - General - René Schneider

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In the botched kidnapping attempt, Viaux's subordinates shot Schneider in four vital areas once he drew a gun to defend himself. He was to die three days later in a military hospital in Santiago, and garnered national sympathy. Viaux was later convicted of involvement with the plot and imprisoned. In August of 1973, he was released and sent to Paraguay. He was not involved in General Augusto Pinochet's successful 1973 coup.

Related Topics:
Santiago - August - 1973 - Paraguay - Augusto Pinochet - 1973 coup

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Critics of U.S. policy in Chile at the time, particularly contrarian journalist Christopher Hitchens, have accused former U.S. National Security Advisor and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger of conspiring with Viaux in the murder of Schneider.

Related Topics:
Christopher Hitchens - U.S. National Security Advisor - Secretary of State - Henry Kissinger - Schneider

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It should be noted that the coup-plotters did not intend to kill Schneider; his death severely weakened the chance of a successful coup, as Chilean opinion was almost entirely sympathetic toward him. As far as Kissinger's role in the coup, declassified U.S. documents show that while the Central Intelligence Agency had explored the possibility of supporting a Viaux coup, they later decided that his ideology was "far out" and, while maintaining contact with him, did not provide him with direct support. In a declassified October 15th conversation with President Richard Nixon about the matter, Kissinger said, "This looks hopeless. I turned it off. Nothing could be worse than an abortive coup." http://www.aei.org/news/newsID.19385,filter./news_detail.asp

Related Topics:
Central Intelligence Agency - October 15th - Richard Nixon - Kissinger

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