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Station unaware if assassination was premeditated or whether it constituted bungled abduction attempt. In any case, it important to bear in mind that move against Schneider was conceived by and executed at behest of senior Armed Forces officers. We know that General Valenzuela was involved. We also near certain that Admiral Tirado, Army Lt. Colonel and Navy Captain witting and involved. We have reason for believing that General Viaux and numerous associates fully clued in, but cannot prove or disprove that execution or attempt against Schneider was entrusted to elements linked with Viaux. Important factor to bear in mind is that Armed Forces, and not retired officers or extreme rightists, set Schneider up for execution or abduction... All we can say is that attempt against Schneider is affording Armed Forces one last opportunity to prevent Allende's election if they are will to follow Valenzuela's scenario. - (Santiago 598, 22 October)

F. Post October 22 Events

The shooting of General Schneider resulted immediate tion of martial law, the appointment of General Prats to as Commander in Chief, and the appointment of General Val uel of Santiago province. These measures, and others taken, Task Force to make the following initial judgment:

With only 24 hours remaining before the Congre runoff, a coup climate exists in Chile....The on General Schneider has produced development closely follow Valenzuela's plan....Consequent plotters' positions have been enhanced. (Chile Task Force Log, 22 Octo

On October 23, Director Helms reviewed and discussed

It was agreed...that a maximum effort has been and that now only the Chileans themselves can successful coup. The Chileans have been guid point where a military solution is at least of them. (Task Force Log, 24 Octob

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