Rodolfo Stange

Rodolfo Stange was a General and chief of the Chilean Carabineros (paramilitary police). He was a significant figure in the Chilean government during the period of Pinochet's rule and was involved in the country's arms trade and intelligence operations.¹

Stange was present at a meeting in Santiago, Chile, in late 1986, with Carlos Cardoen, Robert Gates, Senator John Tower, and Gen. Pieter Van Der Westhuizen (South African Military Intelligence). At this meeting, U.S. officials reaffirmed their intention to maintain arms channels to Iraq through South Africa and Chile.¹

In September 1988, Ari Ben-Menashe met with Stange in Chile to discuss Cardoen's chemical trade with Iraq. Stange initially expressed concern about the trade but also indicated his loyalty to Pinochet and his own political ambitions. He was aware of the U.S. backing for Cardoen's activities. Stange invited Ben-Menashe to dinner, where Cardoen and Mark Thatcher were also present, a meeting that appeared to be staged to demonstrate Cardoen's connections.¹

Stange was a key figure in the Chilean government's response to Israeli pressure to halt arms sales to Iraq. He was also involved in the plot to overthrow President Stroessner in Paraguay, aligning with Gen. Andres Rodriguez and the CIA. He had presidential aspirations in Chile following Pinochet's defeat in the plebiscite.¹