Allende’s Last Speech

Salvador Allende died 46 years ago today in a US-backed coup. Here's his final address, broadcast over the radio while he was barricaded in the presidential palace.

The last photograph of Salvador Allende inspecting the presidential palace shortly before his death.


My friends,

Surely this will be the last opportunity for me to address you. The Air Force has bombed the towers of Radio Portales and Radio Corporación.

My words do not have bitterness but disappointment. May they be a moral punishment for those who have betrayed their oath: soldiers of Chile, titular commanders in chief, Admiral Merino, who has designated himself commander of the Navy, and Mr Mendoza, the despicable general who only yesterday pledged his fidelity and loyalty to the government, and who also has appointed himself chief of the Carabineros [national police].

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