4- any r1 A - 2 CHTLE THE MILITARY MAY ATTEMPT A COUP AGAINST THE ALLENDE GOVERNMENT ON 10 SEPTEMBER MEANWHILE OPPOSITION PARTIES ARE CALL- ING FOR RESIGNATION AND THE IMPEACHMENT OF HIS CABINET The three services have reportedly agreed to move against the government on 10 September and civ filian terrorist and right wing groups will allegedly support the effort with a campaign to block roads and disrupt possible government resistance The mil itary's final decision may have resulted from Presi dent Allende s refusal to accept the resignation of Navy Commander Adm Raul Montero even after Vice Adm Jose Merino presented him with an ultimatum during a meeting on the 7th There are indications that some armed forces units wanted to move as early as the 8th but were dissuaded by higher-ranking offi cers who stressed the need for a coordinated effort which they said could not possibly be put together until 10 September - The coup appears to have the support of all the service commanders a situation that Allende had been able to avoid over the past year The President is reportedly aware that resistance by his supporters is futile and that any effort to oppose the military could result in heavy casualties The National Po- lice who also feel that a coup is imminent have reportedly been in contact with army plotters and have agreed not to resist the military if a coup is attempted Should no coup develop however Allende is still faced with further political troubles In the wake of this week's demonstrations and resulting violence the political opposition has hardened its stance against the Allende gov t fnt Moderate Declassified with redattions by Co tinued 8 Sep 73 DIA Intelligence Summary Page 7 UNCLASS WW le 33 31' christian Democrats have solidified their charges against the Cabinet and are proceeding with impeach- ment action despite the President's declaration that such an act is illegal They_have also thrown full support behind a nationwide strike and are encourag ing workers already on strike to continue The rightist National Party has gone one step further and is demandin- Allende's resi-nation for incom-e Ti A0 Santiago 604 and 6 5 7 Sep 73 LATEST INFODIA Intelligence Summary Page 3