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Cryptonym: UNSOBER-1

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Definition:
Unknown identity. UNSOBER-1 was a CIA asset and French journalist in 1974. CIA hoped to use UNSOBER-1 to obtain an interview with General Pinochet, and provide generally favorable coverage of his Chilean regime.
Status:
Unknown
Sources:

104-10225-10027: CIA FILE ON PSYCH WARFARE GENERAL: COUNTRY CHILE.

05/00/74: Cable from Santiago to Paris (Info: Director) Jabaut Acting: Slugline TOFOCUS UNSOBER: "1. Agree with Ref B recommendation to await outcome of French election before deciding if and how to assist UNSOBER-1. In making that decision, the following points should be considered: A. While Station has capability via FUTRUNK-1 (IDEN for Paris), recently recruited salaried agent, to assist UNSOBER-1 in obtaining interview with General Pinochet, it should be kept in mind that our intervention no matter how subtle, would very probably identify UNSOBER-1 to FUTRUNK-1 as agency collaborator. B. The Chilean Govt is very sensitive to foreign press criticism and would look unhappily on any T.V. program which reflects badly on govt, regardless of how slight the criticism might be. Consequently, we would not want to obtain FUTRUNK-1's assistance for any program which could prove embarrassing to him. 2. File: 201-872997." - - - 2022 release, page 122: https://www.archives.gov/files/research/jfk/releases/2022/104-10225-10027.pdf

104-10225-10027: CIA FILE ON PSYCH WARFARE GENERAL: COUNTRY CHILE.

05/00/74: Cable from Paris to Santiago (Info: Director): Slugline TOFOCUS UNSOBER: "1. If socialist presidential candidate Francois Mitterrand is elected on 19 May, it most doubtful that UNSOBER/1 could do program on Chile that would be acceptable to BKHERALD (or to Pinochet). 2. Therefore recommend Santiago consider ref within confines of Station until results of election known. If majority candidate Giscard D'estaing wins (he has slight lead in polls), climate will be excellent for favorable treatment of Pinochet. In this case, would be useful to have response to ref by COB 30 May to coincide with TDY to Paris of HQs TOFOCUS officer. 3. File: 201-872997." - - -2022 release, page 127: https://www.archives.gov/files/research/jfk/releases/2022/104-10225-10027.pdf

104-10225-10027: CIA FILE ON PSYCH WARFARE GENERAL: COUNTRY CHILE.

05/08/74: Cable from Director to Santiago (Info: Paris): Slugline TOFOCUS UNSOBER: "1. TOFOCUS activity seeks to develop assets to influence (REDACTION) and other programming with political content in (REDACTION) TV services. In (REDACTION) this has been particularly tough nut to crack, but (REDACTION) Station has made recent progress with UNSOBER/1. This former staff (REDACTION) recently completed a 30-minute reportage on current events in West Germany. It was well received and resulted in his being tapped to do second 30-minute program. As UNSOBER/1 appears to be on way to position of substance within (REDACTION) television. We are anxious to assist his rise and insure that (REDACTION) station's most promising TOFOCUS asset achieves most influential status possible. To this end it would be of value if UNSOBER/1 could do program on the current situation in Chile. 2. The reportage would probably be designed for 30-minute airing, and would hopefully contain filmed interview with General Pinochet and visit to Dawson Island. While we believe this would be first interview granted to (REDACTION) journalist by the head of ruling junta (thus big boost for UNSOBER/1). We understand Pinochet has granted other interviews and allowed filming on Dawson Island. Proposal has been carefully discussed with UNSOBER/1, and he has said reportage would be favorable but not totally uncritical - best treatment the Chilean Government could hope for in (REDACTION). 3. To obtain interview with General Pinochet and other junta leaders and/or permission film conditions on Dawson Island and elsewhere in Chile. UNSOBER/1 has asked for BKHERALD assistance. UNSOBER/1 is confident that superiors would approve program if UNSOBER/1 could assure them that he would be granted interviews, etc. 4. Please advise what assistance Santiago Station can provide to UNSOBER/1. 5. File: 201-872997." - - - 2022 release, pages 124-125: https://www.archives.gov/files/research/jfk/releases/2022/104-10225-10027.pdf

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Contributors:
Gavin McDonald

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