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UK: Arms office for Chilean dictator?

01 January 1998

In late November 1996 investigators unearthed the latest Chilean mass grave in Antofagasta, north of the capital Santiago. It contained fifty-eight corpses dating from when the site had been used as a torture centre for political opponents by the military dictator, General Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet came to power in 1973 after a military coup - that was backed by the CIA - overthrew the elected government of Salvador Allende. He only stood down as President in 1989, but retained control of the armed forces and oversaw an amnesty from prosecution granted to anyone accused of human rights abuses under the regime.

The dictator, who frequently visits the UK to meet with defence manufacturers, now intends to move the Chilean army's main European procurement office from Madrid, Spain to London. The Chilean airforce and navy already have offices in London and British Aerospace have played a key role in developing the Rayo artillery rocket for the army. The move follows from the decision of a Spanish judge to launch a private prosecution against Pinochet for human rights abuses committed under his regime.

British defence manufacturers are enthusiastic on expanding their links with the Chilean dictator, although it is still unclear if this will contravene the government's ethical arms export policy.

Financial Times 19.11.97.