"THE BATTLE OF CHILE the fight of a people without weapons"
PART 1 THE INSURRECTION OF THE BOURGEOISIE
Six months before the bombing of the La Moneda palace
The Chilean people face elections to renew Parliament.
The political forces are divided into two blocs:
On one side, the opposition formed from the Christian Democrat and National parties.
On the other, the left-wing parties in the Popular Unity coalition
who support Salvador Allende in parliament.
The left united will never be defeated!
Together!
The left united will never be defeated!
Cut!
Clapperboard!
Se�or, good afternoon. What do you think of the Sunday elections?
Well, I'm not political so I don't have an opinion.
Se�ora, good afternoon. Who do you believe will win on Sunday?
The opposition will win
- The opposition will win - The oppposition. Of course, then.
Frei, Jarpa, Labb�!
Three hatched from the same egg!
Se�ora, who are you going to vote for in the next elections?
For Volodia Teitelboim and Eliana Aranibar.
What do you think will happen in the future??
That we are going to keep progressing and we have to keep fighting because comrade, of who we've been fighting.
What can I say about Frei?
In his government I had a farmhouse that fell down on me.
The water ran inside, my four sons have bronchial pneumonia.
I asked for help here, I asked for help there and nowhere was I listened to.
Now, wherever I go I am listened to
and thanks to my President, I have a nice house.
Not with great comforts, but I've not gone without bread.
Bravo!
No government had done what this government did.
Who is going to win on Sunday?
I believe it'll be the Popular Unity I believe it'll be the Popular Unity
What do you think of the Christian Democrats?
I believe that the Christian Democrats are a party
that have always defended the interests of their own class
and not those of the working class.
Before I was skinny, now I've corn with huesillos.
Comrade, who is going to win on Sunday?
I couldn't say who.
- I couldn't say. - No, sir.
- You've no idea - I've no idea.
- Do you read the daily papers? - I don't read much.
- Who is going to win on Sunday? - I don't know ... the UP
Us, the 45! The 45!
The Popular Unity is going to win by an overwhelming amount of votes.
because it is the government of the workers, the government of the people.
and the people have realised the benefits that come from socialism for all citizens.
What percentage do you think is going to go to the Popular Unity?
The truth of the matter is that the Popular Unity is going to win
Because now it has ... in 1970 our share was 36%
Now, with what we have,and the folk who are with us,
the people are with comrade Salvador Allende,
we're assured of 43% or more.
Se�ora, good afternoon.
I'm going to vote for Volodia Teitelboim and Eliana Aranibar
- What percentage of the vote do you reckon the Popular Unity will get? - more than 40%.
- What do you think of the shortages? - I don't think there is a shortage
because I've still not lost half a kilo!
Sir, what is your position about the elections?
That the Popular Unity gets less than 20%.
What do you think about the future?
All of the ways forward will be painful, Of that, I've no doubt
Sir, What's your position regarding the elections?
- Leave me in peace. - Thank you.
Se�or, What's your position regarding the elections, this Sunday?
A oposi��o, sobretudo o Partido Nacional.
What are your thoughts on the future?
That Chile must achieve, peacefully, freedom and democracy
Se�or, good afternoon.
What do you think about the elections on Sunday?
I believe that it's a referendum
And that on Sunday, Chile goes to decide if it wants Marxism or if it wants freedom.
What about the future?
I think that the only solution is to change the government
- You believe through elections, or some another way? - Through elections.
Sir, what is your position on the elections on Sunday?
well, I believe that we'll give a beating
to the Popular Front, they will be reduced to ashes.
- Do you believe in the electoral route, or in another way? - In the electoral way always.
What percentage do you give to the Popular Unity and to the National Party?
30 to 70.
What do you think the future holds?
For the future. that Chile always has a promising future.
- Thank you very much - Don't mention it
Se�ora, good afternoon. What is your position regarding the elections?
Jarpa and Alessandri.
Who do you prefer?
The National Party, always.
Do you believe in the electoral route, or in another way?
I think that there should be a firm line
That we aren't playing any more tricks on the people or anything.
What possibilities do you see ahead, beyond the elections?
Do everything possible to rebuild Chile
- Se�or, who will you vote for on Sunday? - Jarpa.
Who's going to win the election?
In the elections? The opposition by far.
- What percentage do you reckon? - at least 65%
What do you think about after the elections? What'll happen in Chile?
After the elections, the government must respect the majority.
Are you in favour of the electoral way, or for other ways?
- For the electoral way, se�or. - Thank you very much
- How? - They impeach the President
and we remove them on 21st of May!
They've destroyed the country!
and this is a corrupt and degenerate government, se�or
Degenerate and corrupt. Impure.
Revolting communists must all leave Chile!
On the 21st of May, we'll have, by the grace of God,
the cleanest and nicest government that we've ever had
winning with democracy and removing those rotten Marxist communists.
What are your preferences among the opposition?
Of the candidates? Jarpa and Gustavo Alessandri, se�or.
What percentage would you give them?
Ideally, it would be 100%, but in reality it would be 60 and something percent.
Power to the workers!
Comrade, what do you think of...What's your position on the elections on Sunday?
For me, that the Popular Unity wins,.
and that they'll bury the right.
Because we will win with the Popular Unity Here and anywhere else, we will win.
And the rightists, they'll die.
Comrade, what is your position before the elections on Sunday?
To fight hard to remove a great majority.
So that we have a clear program
and that we realise this is the only way to get power
We already have the government, Now it's in our interest to get the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate
Basically, it means getting a little more power for the class
but in any case...it's not the ultimate solution
one more election is not going to solve the problem of avoiding the confrontation.
the confrontation is inevitable and fundamental.
One side is going to give,
because at the moment the classes are becoming more and more polarised
One side the bourgeoisie, the other side the proletariat
And that confrontation is going to have to give way.
Forward without compromise!
As is normal, the armed forces guarantee order during the elections
The dependable, dull, opposition.
With two thirds in the Parliament would be able to dismiss Salvador Allende constitutionally.
For this they need 60% of the votes
For the left
this is the first ballot against all the opposing forces
since the triumph of 1970.
It is also an opportunity to measure its forces
After two and a half years of an economic boycott
pushed by Washington and the internal opposition.
Sunday 4th March, at 8am, Voting has started.
We're from channel 13 and we'll be conducting interviews in the building.
We want to know who you're voting for and who you believe is going to win
- Sorry if we're bothering you - no, it's no bother
Me, I like Baltra. I voted for him.
- And what percentage do you think he's going to win in the CODE?
- What's going to happen? - Enough, there's some light here.
- Excuse me. - Go on.
Sir, good afternoon. We are from channel 13 and we're making an interview
We want to know who, for what percentage, will win the CODE?
- I have no idea. I didn't vote. - You didn't vote?
- No preference? - I didn't have a preference.
You voted for Baltra. At what time did you vote?
-Voted for Jarpa? -for Jarpa.
- What time did you vote? - 11 in the morning.
- In what community? - �u�oa, the National Stadium
And what seems to be happening now? What impression did you have?
Splendid!
It was a fantastic meeting and I think that democracy will triumph
What do you believe is going to happen in the future?
That he's going to go away to fix everything and we're going to rebuild Chile
What do you think? What is needed to dismiss the President, or to follow on, legally?
I can't say. We must fix everything that we find because we can't go on like this.
What do you think of the rally for Jarpa, that was here two days ago?
Fantastic. I was watching it here.
And what especially appealed to you about the rally?
Of course. Lots of people, lots of enthusiasm and very orderly.
Well... and I think that it was wonderful and that we're going to win!
Tell me, what do you think of the alliance with the Christian Democrats?
Well, I think it's splendid, very good.
- Aceita essa alian�a? - Aceito.
Assim, tudo vai se ajeitar.
At 5 in the afternoon the first results are known.
The Minister of the interior, General Carlos Prats,
assures the maximum guarantees of honesty in all sectors.
Nevertheless, before the end of the count
there were claims of victory by the opposition parties
Without mentioning that more than 40% of the votes are for the left
And the opposition, which never doubted that it would win,
goes out to the streets to celebrate the supposed end of the Popular Unity
- What do you think of the election, se�or? - We've won. We've won now. We got over 60%!
Se�ora, what do you think of today's election?
Phenomenal! We have won in every way!
- Se�or, what do you think of ... ? - Nice, Frei.
I'm Argentinian and I am happy that Frei won. But it's very good.
There are several Frei who are in Chile.
- ... of what happened today? - A triumph, excellent.
It's totally successful. We are happy, pleased.
What do you think will happen in future?
A referendum. Mr Allende is going to have to leave the country immediately.
you are in favour of impeachment?
Naturally
Anyway,see you later.
What do you think of today's election?
That it has been a triumph of democracy and that Chile will always be free.
- What will happen in the future? - God doesn't love those who do nothing
We only want the Chile will remain free foreve.
You support the constitutional allegation against Allende?
Yes se�or, yes.
Do you believe that this will cause a civil war?
- It doesn't matter. - No, in no way It's the majority. We have the majority.
What do you think of today's election?
Finally, we took out the leader of these dicks
- Sir, what did you think of today's election? - Very good, very magnificent.
Forgive me for saying so. It's a great thing, a splendid thing
The UP went to the trash, can't say that other word!
- Which candidate did you prefer? - Frei.
I am Alfonso Carrasco Cerda,
president of the pensioners Bank of Chile
I consider that we have defended democracy and the freedom of Chile.
- Thank you very much. I would like to add something else? - yes...
Greetings to all the people that have contributed to freeing our country...
Past midnight the results start to disconcert the opposition
The number of votes they dreamed about is marred by failure
and the Popular Unity not
only doesn't lose its electoral support, but increases it
Without accepting the calculations,part of the opposition
speaks of electoral fraud and takes it's assault force out to the streets
A day later, the Examining Tribunal of Elections controlled by the opposition
confirmed the official results.
The opposing parties are far from the two thirds that they needed
to dismiss Salvador Allende.
The Popular Unity raises it's vote to 43.4%
and so increases it's number of parliamentarians.
obtaining an unprecedented support
after a two and a half year mandate
For the opposition, the oath of the deputies
marks the end of the electoral phase.
Se�ores deputies,
do you swear to uphold the constitution of the state
consult in the exercise of your functions
its true interests.
I declare you members of the Chamber
Having fulfilled the aims of the present session, it's adjourned.
From now on, the White House and the opposition
understand that the mechanisms of democracy don't serve them
The votes that the UP obtain
demonstrate that in Chile the yearning for change hasn't subsided
in spite of the millions of dollars that the North American government has invested.
After March, the strategy of the "democratic" opposition
will be, paradoxically, the strategy of the coup d'etat.
Thanks to the denunciation of a neighbour,
here in the local unit no 8 of the seventh commune,
in Copiap� 319, they discovered a hoard:
20 tons of sugar
400 boxes of toilet paper,
500 boxes of washing powder, 100 boxes of Nescaf�,
100 cartons of condensed milk
50 boxes of salmon, rice in great quantities.
Of course. This was to be sold here, to the neighbours in this sector
who had already accumulated a great amount.
This sale is surely going to last about three days.
The government strengthens the JAP, or Board of Supply and Prices.
Of course. This was to be sold here, to the neighbours in this sector
who had already accumulated a great amount.
This sale is surely going to last about three days.
The government strengthens the JAP, or
Board of Supply and Prices.
who had already accumulated a great amount.
This sale is surely going to last about three days.
The government strengthens the JAP,
or Board of Supply and Prices.
In theory, the JAP are local organizations to control food distribution
and denounce speculators
When the JAP discover a hoarder
the government intervenes and puts the products on sale.
in Lirqu�n, in Mrs Rufina Moreno D�az' warehouse
was the following merchandise:
310 packets of tea two boxes of 50 detergents,
53 boxes of food for children
everything eaten by mice
I bought sugar and OMO and two packets of tea
because I didn't have more than 100 escudos I didn't have any more, couldn't take more
Well, I have at least ten children, se�or,
and spend whole mornings walking, looking for...
It's necessary to defeat the black market, what's needed is remove the leaders of these guys
so that these people are scared and they can't continue speculating
and they can't continue speculating
And I think that there is a surplus of supplies, see
how many times it's not been released in our newspapers
for example, of so many tons of sugar,so many things that have been found hoarded!
In the month of March there are 3000 JAP in all Chile....
In somes cases the JAP adopt ration cards
to make the distribution more efficient.
Which is the card? Show us a sample.
This is a ration card. Look. I have 14 rations
Here they give two cubes of stock, four cubes when it arrives, see?
Or in case more arrives, it gives more.
These are all equal: Nescaf�, milk, all those things (they) are rationed.
And you get them with that?
Yes, we get them. And if they don't arrive, we use them for buying other things,other articles.
Look at the vegetable that I bought.
The opposition and the American blockade have 3 main objectives:
to break up the food deliveries,
exhaust the reserve stocks,
and sabotage the sowing of crops to increase the shortages.
In part these problems are surpassed by organizing
Is there oil, se�ora?
Look, they've stopped giving me oil. I don't know if they have any today
But I bought oil 3 days ago.
Would you like to say something more to comrades from other provinces?
We are making a film
I, at least, I support whatever happens that is ...
... for a better future, at least for my sons if I can't achieve it for myself.
I agree with this government.
- Would you like to say something more? - No, nothing more. Thanks, no more for this interview.
For the opposition the example of the JAP becomes dangerous.
The Congress begins accusing Minister Orlando Millas,
Administrator of the JAP.
The opposition begins using their simple majority in Congress
to undermine the government.
Here are gathered the documents that register the accusations.
In this case, the opposition
designates one of it's deputies to interrogate a neighbor,
member of the JAP.
DEPUTY OF THE NATIONAL PARTY What functions does it perform in practice?
FUTURE MEMBER OF THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT How would you say the JAP organises itself?
The JAP organisation seems to me to be an organization made up of people,
of citizens, of workers, homeowners
that come together,
through a meeting
with the aim of controlling more or less
the existing supplies in a neighborhood.
That's what I want you to explain to me.
DO you understand?
Not, if for that reason, I am orientating this, without the implication,
that I'm saying this to induce you to say something.
You understand? Very well. I would like you to be very honest in this.
It looks to me as though...
the function of this organization, JAP,
is exactly this:
to make sure that the people in a neighborhood recieve enough supplies
that is sufficient for all of the families in the neighborhood.
In spite of the fact that the opposition is unable to prove anything the proceedings will run their course
The mechanisms will be repeated with other high government functionaries.
or the ministers resign or are expelled.
By means of the accusation, the opposition starts a power struggle
between the Parliament and the President of the Republic
In each case, a representative of the left goes to demonstrate the legal deficiency of these allegations
Consequently
The minister of state only answers for his acts and conduct
to the President of the Republic who appointed him and can remove him
and he is neither subjected to intervention from,
nor is at the convenience of,the opinions of the majority of congress.
Political judgement over him is only granted,in the Chilean system, to the President of the Republic.
And in the particular case of the minister, Mr Orlando Millas, head of the economics portfolio
that we've looked at in this impeachment proceeding the accusation
cannot be used to decide whether the supply policy is good or bad,
whether the minister controls, the management of the price control policy,
or the ways in which they think production tasks should be orientated,
supply and general distribution of the Chilean economy.
Therefore, not only is this impeachment invalid, ineffective and illegitimate
but it is an accusation that stifles, that overrruns, that violates
the ground that the Constitution cedes to the President of the Republic
so far as it's prerogatives and it's essential powers.
Days later, in the Chamber of Deputies the vote to expel minister Orlando Millas takes place
86 to 63: the minister is dismissed by a simple majority.
in a period of three months, the opposition dismisses two aides and seven ministers of Allende.
That is to say, a top official of the Popular Unity every ten days
Certainly, they reject the fact we use the laws that they had in their hands
and that they used against the people.
When we use these laws
to defend the legitimate government
and the advancement of the workers,
then that creates this attitude of resistance in these sectors,
that has all the guarantees, I repeat,
from the reality that our nation lives.
And this is a government
that is not socialist.
It is a popular, democratic, national, revolutionary government
That must fulfil a program
to widen and hasten the road to socialism
the transformation of our society.
Shortly afterwards, Congress begins a prosecution
This would mean the dismissal of fifteen ministers at one time.
Nevertheless, popular pressure makes part of the opposition back down
and the maneouvre fails.
A large demonstration by the CUT
repudiates the actions of the opposition.
And the right has always been screwing the state backwards.
It's always us that has been urging the overthrow of the government.
But that will never happen
porque este governo foi eleito pelos trabalhadores,
And we will defend it with our lives, be that as it may.
If they want to fight us on the street we will go out onto the streets
And if that fight happens, we will know to fight like the conscientious workers that we are
in defence of our worker's democracy.
On April 17,
the government resolves to nationalise 49 more industries that
are boycotting production.
In reply, Congress presents a constitutional reform
that invalidates almost all the nationalisations that the government had made until now.
The Christian Democrats and the National Party afirmam affirm that in this case,
the head of state has no right to veto.
That is to say, it should enact the reforms and return the factories without discussion.
This means that for a simple majority
Congress wishes to cut out, from Salvador Allende,
And of these gentlemen of the right, it's good that they already realise that they are receiving fabulous wages and they do nothing,
only making trouble for the country! And that that is what they're thinking, to agitate.
But they pay themselves fabulous sums!
and we find with great surprise
to see that our factory, our source of work
was totally dismantled, in warehouses
because these gentlemen practically stole the machinery.
We want nothing to do with the boss. Absolutely nothing.
Because for a long time they have pulled, little by little,
until we have finally arrived at the end of our tether.
It's been shown that the owners of these industries
have begun boycott of production.
And we, the workers, are against that
Well, I can only hope that it will be resolved soon and hopefully that government intervenes in industry,
because we can't continue working with the bosses
- And what's this factory called? - This is called 'the Prison'
Because of the feudal mentality of our bosses
and the comrades from other branches of industry, because of this pressure they called us "the Prison" of Saint Elena.
23rd May, Eduardo Frei,
Christian Democrat and ex-President of Chile,
is chosen as head of the Senate
one of its tasks will be to exacerbate the power struggle.
If Allende refuses to enact the reforms
the opposition parties will say that it's unconstitutional
and if he accepts, Parliament will have, de facto control of the State.
Allende considers this illegitimate
and puts the problem to the Constitutional Court
If we understand that at this time
The fundamental thing, the basic thing
is to strengthen the government in politics
and take over the instruments
granting access to the institutions
so that the opposition understand that they can't deny the government what it needs
to exist and defend Chile from economic realities,
which didn't arise from our own mistakes,
- that's not to deny that we've committed them, -
but there are international and national factors
that outweigh them when a government like ours
is confronted with imperialism
and with the landowning oligarchs and feudal bankers.
The deputies who reject the proposal are asked to raise their hands.
From now on, Parliament will look for the final blockade of government.
In the months of April, May and June
Congress declares a boycott against all Popular Unity initiatives
Result of the vote:
In favor, 52 votes;
Against, 81.
The proposal formed by the Executive stays rejected.
The law to punish economic crimes is rejected.
The law to create the ministry of the family is rejected.
The law for wage and salary rises for the workers,
is postponed and later approved without funding.
The law to regulate the participation of workers in factories
is rejected.
The law to create the Ministry of the Sea is rejected.
The law to form autonomous businesses is rejected.
In a few months,
20 more bills are approved without funding.
Nationalism! Here! Nationalism! Forward!
- National Front! - Fatherland and Liberty!
We are going to a shock squadron of the group "Fatherland and Liberty"
- Chile... ...one!
- Chile... - Great!
- Chile... - Free!
Forward Chile!
The institutional conflict, on it's own isn't enough to justify a coup d'etat
It is also necessary to provoke violence and civil disorder
This is the principal aim of this organization
Fatherland and Liberty makes up a small part of the mass movement of the right
but it's fascist ideology hangs over some opposition parties
and the armed forces.
between its leaders and ideologues there are former employees of the intelligence services of the USA in Chile.
Their main income comes from the large owner's organizations,
like the National Society of Agriculture
and the Society of Manufacturers.
But much aid comes from the US State Department.
In 1974 some ex-officials
of that department revealed that in this period,
the CIA maintained in Chile, forty first-class agents,
many of them advising Fatherland and Liberty.
In April, the opposition finds an excuse to continue agitation.
The government has presented a project of educational reform.
to democratise the education system.
Feeling threatened, the opposition mobilises it's strike force.
For the first time in Chile,
an appreciable quantity of students are manipulated
by the privileged classes.
The opposition parties, the professionals,
the union of retailers support the street disorder
It's good to be on the defensive.
It is good that we're just reacting, as though we are puppets
because the questions, from now on, comrades,
we will have to make them reality
and the conflicting problems, we must face them hard.
and we must attack whoever puts themselves in front of us
and we're not going to leave the streets, comrades, to fight with the children of the right.
That is, those in charge of the carabineros. and in charge of the military - there's too few in charge.
We are then going to see how we can face the state
It is a bourgeois state that we will someday have to defeat.
Yesterday, we have seen
some sectors protesting for different things
and the right using class comrades,
in properly subversive situations.
That is, what the comrades suggest,
over the situation of distribution, over the law of agricultural reform.
over the nationalisation of monopolies.
I believe that they are fundamental matters to which the workers must already consider
asking for a referendum over questions of this nature,
and not in the situation that the reactionaries are creating,
and with effective mobilization of the workers.
Because we cannot accept these escalations, day after day.
The situation we've seen coming,
as we say, from October and they're once more preparing for.
They're copying it because they don't have the initiative to change the situation that they created in October
and now the workers should go,
to definitively stop these people
and demand a referendum from the goverment over basic questions.
How are we going to address the question of transport?
Because each time that they need to attack the government,
they make the transport workers go on strike.
Really. Because they are manipulating drivers
because the majority of drivers are classless. They don't recognise the union.
They are only worried about how much they are going to earn
They don't go to union meetings they don't want to know anything
So there are very few unions that are functioning in transportation. Those that function,still run badly
Before the threat of the shopkeepers to begin a general strike the next week,
there was the immediate nationalisation of the distribution monopolies.
Before the threat to boycott manufacturing and the economy
There was ordered, once and for all, and in a single package,
the commandeering of the rest of the companies that were among the 90
that still hadn't passed into worker control
and which were immediately integrated with the working class
into the planned economy.
It is doubtless that at this moment
the resolutions must turn to
the problem of the fundamental mobilization..
We, the Sindicato de Obras P�blicas, the ANATE,
believe that in this moment we have everybody ready to march
before the Congress.
If there is anybody that objects to the proposal...
To the Parliament, comrades!
Comrades, we ask for the comrades in the public works,
if they count on modes of transportation - trucks, light-trucks -
so that they can transport groups of workers who are going to leave the industries...
There are trucks, comrades. There are trucks and buses.
There are trucks at our disposal. Forward, comrades, forward.
The Left united will never be defeated!
April 27th. CUT-The Main worker's office
summons a mass action in support of the government.
Through the presence of the workers,
they try to prevent the streets of Santiago from continuing to be in the hands of the opposition
Power to the workers!
UP! Popular Unity!
Build! Build! Worker's Power!
The Left united will never be defeated!
Build! Build! Worker's Power!
When a column of demonstrators pass before the headquarters
the Christian Democrat Party they are attacked.
From the windows there are shots which kill a worker and seriously wound six others.
Everything that happened is the responsibility of the people that came to provoke us.
And the dead and the six wounded?
- Where? Which ones? - There is one dead and six others wounded.
Do you believe that, se�or?
We've already had to leave as we were knocked down over there
- Is it Christian to kill people? - Who was protecting us?
You justify the death of...?
You are speaking here in the offices of the Christian Democratic Party
Don't attack me because...!
No, but why ... why attack a journalist?
Fascists!
How was, from where? How was it? When did they shoot?
No... it's not clear. That's been handed over to a court invesigation
but in any case that is at the dispensation of the magistrate it's the magistrate who's in charge here.
In this case the police, Everything related to public order
is the concern of the magistrate the concern of the court
That is the Code of Penal Procedures.
The influence of the violent groups is evident in the Christian Democrat Party.
Juan Hamilton, Senator of the conservative wing of the party
refuses to make a statement.
Moment of silence, please comrades.
Para tr�s!
A moment of silence!
Calm!
Workers against fascism!
Comrade Jos� Ricardo Ahumada!
Present!
Comrade Jos� Ricardo Ahumada!
With your example! We will win!
Unidade Popular against the criminal reactionaries!
Comrade Jos� Ricardo Ahumada!
Present!
Who killed him?
The reactionaries!
300,000 persons go, on the 30th of April, to see off their fallen comrade.
Realising that they've still not attained the right conditions,
the opposition ends this phase of street agitation.
TRIBUNAL DE PEQUENAS CAUSAS
The proceedings to punish those responsible for the death of the worker Ahumada
don't go well. Justice moves slowly.
The Supreme Court, in practice, ensures the impunity of those responsible
Chile will be a free country!
Again the union
arrives at this meeting convened for the national leaders,
to learn the records and figures that represent our prices.
Firstly, there are speeches
The president of the Chilean National Confederation of Taxibuses and Minibuses,
Ernesto Cisterna Sol�s.
- Eye for an eye! - Tooth for a tooth!
I believe that this assembly
stands up and says to the minister that we are also tired
of seeing so much inefficiency and so much incapacity for resolve...
During the three years of the Popular Unity
the American Institute of Free Labour Development
financed indirectly by the CIA,
orients it's work towards the Chilean unions..
In the month of April, 108 leaders
principally from transport,
received training in the USA.
We don't need to confuse conscience with patience.
We don't want a policy for prices or of unions.
but we need to eat.
We must defend our interests.
and for those, to fight like one man
but with our national directive
e sair �s ruas
and to go out and be seen in a manner
befitting the force of a road union
with bravery, with passion, but above all,
like Chileans and with dignity, colleagues.
Chega de remendos provis�rios e in�teis!
Os �nibus envelhecem,
os empres�rios tamb�m, curvados pelo peso!
H� tantas gera��es!
� preciso encher as panelas,
subsistir e salvar nossa atividade.
because with it, we'll be saving the jobs of millions of people
that have faith and confidence in this, the working man
this maltreated transport worker,
that yes, has built Chile.
It's he, himself who is the revolutionary!
This shows us that the moment of the complete Chilean turnaround has arrived
without distinguishing between one and another,
in a single fighting platform, we begin this national stoppage!
In the month of May, one third of the transport collective
is immobilised, because they lack parts of North American origin.
In 1973 imports from the US dropped to 15% of the total.
To protest against this state of things, but also to aggravate them,
the owners of private buses declare an indefinite strike.
With only 600 vehicles, the state enterprise have to perform, in one example,
the work done by the 5000 buses in Santiago
To partly combat the effects of the strike, the workers use, for passenger transport, factory trucks.
What do you think of this strike?
That everything we fight to achieve...
that the government has
confidence in the workers.
- It is necessary to fight the strikes. - How must we fight them?
By being united these days.
- How far did you walk? - 70 blocks, more or less, with my two boys that are back there.
What do you think, se�or?
Well, I believe that these times are when the people must demonstrate
the capacity to fight that
has forged us, throughout this process.
and, as we're seeing here, sacrifice...
it doesn't matter what type of sacrifice you make, just do your bit and keep producing.
Do you have any more opinions?
The campaign of the right against us is capitalism and...
and all the time we're going to be short of pay.
But we the workers, we should have confidence, and be conscientious
- What do you think of this? - See, in reality I think that...
... in my estimation, it is paralyzing the country whichever way, for whichever side.
With the inevitable result of a stoppage of all transportation.
here is the MOPARE, the Patriotic Recovery Movement,
which is a group of left-wing transport workers.
For their loyalty to President Allende,
they suffer attacks and sabotage
in the name of union solidarity.
... and loyalty to the people,
I will respond with the loyalty of a militant socialist.
and like the President of Chile
I will implacably see through the program of the Popular Unity.
We need more and better control
in the distribution of the products.
Listen:
Because they make out
that I sometimes waver
that's sometimes necessary to strengthen the people's power
the Mothers' Centres, the neighbourhood gatherings,
the meetings of suppliers and prices,of JAPs,
the community leaders, it's necessary to strengthen them.
It is necessary to strengthen industrial ties,
but not as parallel forces to the government,
but as popular forces
next to the force of your government, the people's government.
28th of May, retired Generals
send a public letter to President Allende which affirms
that the armed forces will consider themselves independent/i>
in the case of the government breaking the Constitution.
Shortly before, the High Command had made pronouncements against the educational reform projects
On that occasion, Rear-Admiral Huerta declared:
""We cannot accept that future soldierswill arrive in barracks converted to Marxism."
From 1950, more than 4000 officers had received training in the USA
and in the Panama Canal zone
During the two and a half years of Allende's government
They received 45 million dollars from the Pentagon
in military aid:
more than a third of all the aid granted in the last 20 years.
For the first time the opposition takes along a sector of the proletariat
In the El Teniente mine 8O km south of Santiago,
some of the workers declare a strike for economic reasons.
Traditionally well-paid,
the copper miners are the working aristocracy of Chile.
For the opposition, the object of the conflict is to paralyze the mine.
20% of the wealth of Chile is produced here.
Comrade workers, as well as TV channel 13,
You'll find with us French television.
Comrades, take out your union cards
We show that here we are all workers
Teniente! United! Shall never be defeated!
First, we'll solve the problems of El Teniente's workers.
Not with money, not even with money can we solve
all the problems that exist across the country.
but our problems come first, and afterwards, those of the rest of the country
Thank you very much.
We want solutions!
For that reason we have asked for, and requested the permission of union leaders
To have this tribunal.
Like the workers of the Popular Unity
we disagree with the methods that they are using.
We have said, in every tone of voice
that for everything
worker's unity comes first.
We defend it here and inside the parties of the Popular Unity alliance
You will wonder why we are here
We are in favour of returning to work
but not by factions.
Comrades: we are in favour of returning to work...
We will not accept
these political divisions!
No Politics! No Politics!
Strike!
That same day, and at the same time
more than half of the 8000 miners continue in their jobs
the majority of them turn in extra hours to maintain and operate the basic functions of the mine.
Caletones is a workplace
that has almost two thousand workers between white collar workers and laborers.
and today we have 750 workers working.
that means that we will be almost normal in the industrial section.
and it means that in some future date
we'll be totally normal.
Here, what can be shown, is that that sector is gluing to a wall
with respect to what they are proposing
in a theory totally beyond any jurisdiction.
History indicates that the workers working here
fought incessantly against the Yanks
until we took the industry from them to nationalise it,
we say, because it's not mine, nor anybody's in particular, it is now for all Chileans,
but we have first the responsibility to know how to run it
so now workers already are becoming almost totally aware of that,
only those that are in opposition are determined followers
believing that here there are other bosses.
No, there is no such thing. because if there were other bosses,they themselves the Christian Democrats,
which at least has union representation here,
have representatives in the Council of Administration.
For that reason, we asked the left press, especially channel 7,
which has given very little importance to the workers who are now working,
to come here and report what the numbers are, so these gentlemen can stop themselves lying.
To begin with, you've done well, for a very simple reason::
because you are arriving at the workplace, which is quite important.
Not sure? But the press, Channel 13, Mercury
and all these newspapers, they are based only in Rancagua
They believe that Rancagua is the El Teniente Mining Society and that's bad.
This is what we need, the workers, those that are now working,
what we want is that this situation is resolved
not for the personal benefit of the workers, but to benefit all Chileans.
Take a worker who is here and ask him, whatever his opinions are..
Who is dividing the workers of El Teniente?
Nobody wants this here.
The enemy is the one that's divisive, that is dividing us.
Why do you say that?
- because they... - they are asking for a confrontation between workers.
Because the other day we saw that the national president publicly said that
if blood were to run, it had to run.
They want confrontation between us!
So it's not... not at any moment have we wanted to divide those on the workers side.
Because the reality of things... well, I'm 43 years old
and I have spent enough time with tools, 27 years.
so logically, I have come seeing previous governments.
They've given enough of a firm hand with us, the workers, the working class.
So, as the comrade from Puelma said,I think that this government has been very soft;
that it is soft because it is the government of the workers.
But if we'd had a government with some other tendencies
then at this moment, several comrades, several of us would be dead.
And here in the company, we wouldn't have many left-wing comrades, but it would be purely right-wing.
We have received threats. We took to the streets.,
We weren't able to go down the other path but we also went to work.
and we went down to make a stand. We were for Codgiua, others for whatever side but the point is that we continued working.
Well, and we had comrades that did it for three shifts
and stayed there because there was work that couldn't be abandoned.
We've given up some benefits in the return to work
and the converters cannot be left alone
nor can we leave the thickeners
and that is a job with lots of responsibility. .
Because there are many of our comrades that do not know still, why they are on strike.
They don't know. It's the way things are
They're going to fight against public forces, because some gentleman
porque algu�m que banca o chefe
reminds them of a rooster and he shouts to them, and sings and dances
and they follow him, like he was Jesus Christ.
I believe that, that ... it's necessary to instill conscience in working comrades
and that's the work that our leading comrades now have.
That is the real reason for everything
And how is it possible to quickly prepare the comrades?
Well, like we are now, because, that's to say,
now, as we begin to act in this stoppage
We... I consider that I am doing right.
I am responsible for what I do. I am equal and independent, like Mr Solis here.
I don't have party politics
but my only interest is work for the progress of Chile and not for by my pocket, nothing more.
I know that if I have good pay
I hope that the people who pay themselves with money from copper have good pay also.
Now, we've already taken out more than 400, in the shift from 3 to 11, we've taken out more than 300, so already
it's all returning to normal.
Attendance of workers increases by 61% on the 7th of May.
The mining trains work day and night.
Strike! Strike!
The striking sector, encouraged by the opposition
and continues asking for a repeat of the wage rises.
Why are you striking?
We demand the 41% that the company owes us.
How many strike days have you taken already?
We've taken 21 days.
What do you think will happen?
I don't know. We must have a solution today or tomorrow, I think.
Is this a union movement, or a political movement?
No, in no way, at no time, has it been political.
Because there has been no policy or Or a minister or politician or senator involved in this.
Because the workers are those that are defending our rights.
I believe that we must win because
our president, we removed him to defend the rights of workers.
and it's not that he came to be criticising us for asking for something unjust.
- Are you for the president? - I am for the president.
- But this strike is harming the government. - Of course it's doing harm.
but I believe that in all this time,
all this time that we've been on strike, would have been
For the strike leaders,it is important that there are victims
to accuse the government of repression.
For that reason, the police force receives orders to act with caution.
In spite of stones, the carabineros back down.
This causes disagreement.
While some look to carry on fighting,
others think that it is better to seize the offices of the mining company.
I went to the supply store to speak with the workers!
because we didn't want them to die at work!
- Who represents the workers, you or our leaders? - We do. 923 The controllers are there!
Please!
and also I ask, comrades,
FUTURO ASSESSOR SINDICAL DE PINOCHET
I asked the police
who, with the same responsibilities as the workers of El Teniente,
we asked the carabineros
that they also keep the same attitude.
I asked them, please, that they keep
the same... the same, comrades, attitude.
It's that way I want...
I want, this morning, comrades, to say
that in the meeting that we had with the president of the Republic
on Day 19...
And I said to them as an older brother would say to them...
... as a comrade
And I made them see what a burden it was that...
...copper production was stopped when we needed currency.
... when we didn't have the necessary financing...
... to be able to fulfil our essential financial commitments
At this time, right now, when the price...
... of copper has reached satisfactory levels...
... and now "El Teniente" becomes paralyzed...
... those who have already achieved extraordinary salary levels.
I speak to them, like a comrade,
with affection, with respect with warmth
Nonetheless, from more economic criteria...
... there is the stoppage of "El Teniente" and that means ...
... millions of dollars are lost from the country.
We could have reached a solution...
... which surely would cost less than a day of production.
But that would have set an unfortunate precedent:
A wage rise on top of a wage rise, with full benefits.
Today, I ask my comrades from "El Teniente", who understand...
... that to be a copper worker in this country is a privilege...
...from a patriotic and revolutionary point of view
They are the ones who must preserve the essence of the nation.
Copper depends on us replenishing our purchasing power
... raw materials, supplies food and medicines.
I ask those here, like revolutionary comrades...
...to revise their attitudes...
...so we can propose solutions that mean...
significantly more income based on
greater productivity.
I maintain a revolutionary conscience,
and I say to them that I have faith in the Chilean worker...
... who cannot forget imperialist aggression...
...and internal conspiracies.
The copper worker must be united with the peasant of this nation...
...to defend the future of Chile from threats...
...from outside, and harassment from within.
In Chuquicamata mine, 16th May
the workers call off their solidarity strike with El Teniente
com EI Teniente.
In the El Salvador mine, the same happens
The opposition fails in it's attempt
to extend the strike to other copper mines.
June 6th, the striking sector sends a delegation
to Santiago
The Congress, that justified the repression of previous governments
opens it's gardens so that the miners
receieve food and money
The Parliament publishes a declaration
without legal force that the strikers are right
and meanwhile continue sending the donations
to the the best-off sectors to help the striking miners which becomes a commitment.
I am firmly convinced
that this conflict will have international repercussions.
because here is
the resolve of the workers to defend their conquests
and for the other side, it's the position of the Supreme government
that until now,
has made itself deaf to the solution of this problem
and the only culprit
for prolonging these 37 days of strike
has a first name and a last name!
This is a product of the inability of the ministers
of Mining, Work, and of the civil servants.
For the first time, a worker's leader is received in the Catholic university.
when in the mine already, 75% of the workers as well as 10% of the salaried employees
of Teniente are working.
Leader Guillermo Medina comes to receive the support of the children of the ruling class.
Workers and students! United ahead!
Get back! Get back! Inept government!
The students of the Catholic University become the main strike agitators.
Where are the people?
In the streets asking for freedom!
while in El Teniente, the strike backs down. The opposition politicises the conflict.
In Santiago, the organisation "Women's Power" raises funds for the miner's spouses.
A large section of the middle class
adds itself knowingly or unknowingly,
to the ranks of fascists.
Nationalism!
Present!
Nationalists!
Advance!
- Chile... ...One!
- Chile... - Great!
- Chile... - Free!
Adiante, Chile!
At the same time, in the city of Rancagua
Shopkeepers, professionals and transport workers declare themselves on strike in solidarity with the striking miners
On 10th June the opposition forcibly occupies the city's radio station.
As Rancagua the result barely manages to
inflate the already receding political conflict,
about to be resolved in the capital.
On the morning of the 15th of June, 3000 strikers
arrive in front of the Christian Democrat Party offices
These are approximately 25% of the mine's personnel
The opposition deploys it's assault groups.
The government responds with police presence and with the mobilization of its people.
Columns of workers collaborate with the police force to impose order.
The agitators provoke the police
while the left-wing workers disarm the barricades.
Clear up here! Let's clear the streets, comrades!
Support the popular government!
At noon, the sympathisers of the Popular Unity congregate in front of La Moneda palace
The street battle will go on until nightfall
Support the popular government!
Allende! Allende! The people defend you!
I am here, comrade, because I have class consciousness
because I am gathered here with my class comradesto defend the government of the workers.
and I will be here until death, if necessary.
Build popular power!
The Left united will never be defeated!
Comrade, I've been here from 7 in the morning, comrade
out of firm conviction. I am the father of twelve sons,
I know clearly that this fight of this government is not for me.
The days are few that I have left to fight and sacrifice.
It is for my sons.
What we defend is constitutional power.
We are against fascism. We are with the popular government
because we believe that it is a just fight that is happening at the moment.
We've come to defend the position of all the workers across the whole movement.
We don't want a group of privileged people
like the miners of El Teniente.
This government is going to have problems
Against all of that, we're going to defend the position of the government until the ultimate consequences.
Comrade, why are you here?
Well, because I am Chilean and I have to defend the governmentof Allende
because it is my government, the government of the people.
I believe that fascism can no longer be tolerated.
We have to stop it once and for all, since it's good for nothing.
That is what the people want. You, wherever you go, ask the same, comrade:
Enough of these idlers in Congress
that are earning free money here
That is the opinion of all the workers
of all the working population, comrade.
And take a firm hand against the speculators, which will remove economic crimes
so that once and for all we can fight and jail the crooks and hoarders.
- Do you want to say something more? - I'm happy with what I've said, comrade.
Popular Unity!
We will win!
The next day, the last strikers
camp in front of the headquarters of the Christian Democratic Party
Many of them return that same night to Rancagua
Meanwhile, a symbolic group is transferred to the Catholic University
In El Teniente, 93% of the personnel have returned to work
21st June. the main Worker's Headquarters (CUT),
summons a mass demonstration of force against fascism.
Build! Build! Worker's Power!
UP! No Compromise!
Popular Unity! Against criminal perks!
Build! Build! People's Militia!
Power to the workers!
Whoever doesn't jump is bourgeois!
The radio network which makes up Voice of the Nation.
The first worker of the nation,:
the President of the Republic, comrade Salvador Allende Gossens.
While in the center of Santiago half a million demonstrators,
nearby, watching over the public force,
the last strikers follow the demonstration
from the roof of the Catholic University.
Support
that never in our history
was there a demonstration of this magnitude,
and which was made up like this.
It was necessary to invent all of our methods
to be able to have, at least and approximately,
de forma aproximada
an extraordinary sized, energetic
and enormous multitude
which fills the streets of
Moneda, Agustinas,
Amun�tegui, Ahumada, Morand�,
Hu�rfanos, Teatinos,
a great part of Alameda
and still the column that left from Tajamar has not been able to arrive.
like the one from Vicu�a Mackenna.
Never in the history of Chile
were the people more spirited, and ready.
Here we're building history.
Here we strengthen our right to build
a future of justice and freedom,
to open a passage towards socialism.
A week later, the copper strike ended.
On the 28th of June the 500 miners
that occupied the Catholic University withdrew in small groups.
In total the conflict lasted 76 days
and cost the state millions of dollars.
At the end of the strike, we can say that the opponents of Allende
had tried almost everything to overthrow the government.
They only lacked a means of support.
The next day, 29th of June, at 9:10 in the morning
the 2nd armoured regiment attacked the Palace of La Moneda
with 6 tanks and other vehicles.
The Parliament, the judiciary, and the opposition parties kept silent.
The rest of the armed forces didn't back the action.
a little later, Leonardo Henricksen, an Argentinian cameraman, filmed his last shot.
Not just recording his own death,
also recording, two months before the final coup,
the true face of part of the Chilean army.
Be careful! Be careful!
- Be careful! Be careful! - I'm leaving!
End of the First Part