“I will pay for the defence of the princes with my life, as they are dear to this nation. Shame will fall on the Armed Forces. The people must be on the alert, vigilant – they must not let themselves be provoked or slaughtered, yet they must also defend their conquests. They must defend the right to build a worthy and better life with their own hands.

A word for those people, the so-called democrats, who have instigated this revolt. For those who in defining themselves representatives of the people have foolishly and suspiciously plotted to make this move possible, thus sending Chile to the ground.

In the name of the most sacred interests of the people, in the name of the nation, we call upon you and ask you to have faith.

History does not stop for repression or crime: this is a stage which will be overcome; it is a tough and difficult time. It is possible that they will crush us, but tomorrow will be for the people, for the workers. Humanity advances for the conquest of a better life.

Compatriots: it is possible that they will silence the radio, and I will leave you. Right now the planes are passing overhead. It is possible that they will shoot down on us. But you know that we are here, at least to give this example, to show that this country is for men who will fulfil their president while knowing the dignity that comes with it. This may be the last opportunity that I have to address you.

The Air Force has bombed the Portales and Radio Corporción antennas. My words are not harsh but disappointed – they are the moral punishment for those who have betrayed the oath – soldiers of Chile, chief commanders and associates, Admiral Merino, General Mendoza – that despicable general who only yesterday declared his solidarity and loyalty to the Government, has appointed himself as General Commander of the Carabineros.

In the face of these events I can only say to the workers – I will not give up. Placed in a passage of history I will pay for the loyalty of the people with my life.

And let me tell you I am certain that the seed we plant in the worthy minds of thousands and thousands of Chilean people cannot be destroyed forever.

They have strength, they can subdue us, but the social processes will not stop, not by using crime and not by using force.

History is ours and made by the people.

Workers of my nation, I want to thank you for your loyalty which you have always shown, the trust which you have placed in one man who is only interpreting his great desire for justice, whom I swear would have respected the Constitution and the law, as has so far been the case. In this final moment, the last in which I can address you, I hope that the lesson is clear. Foreign capital, imperialism, together with the reaction, have created the climate in which the Armed Forces broke their tradition – that of General Schneider which was reaffirmed by Commander Araya, the victim of the sector which will remain at home in the hope of conquering power with a foreign hand to defend property and privileges.

Above all I address the modest women of our land: the farmhand who believed in me; the worker who worked harder, the mother who always cared for our children.

I address the nation’s professionals, the patriot’s professional, and the ones who for days continued working against the revolt expressed by professional orders, and class orders which only want to defend the advantages of a capitalist society.

I address the youth, those who have sung their exhilaration and spirit of the struggle.

I address the Chilean man: the worker, the peasant, the intellectual, those who will be prosecuted, because in our country fascism has existed for years through terrorist attacks – blowing up bridges, breaking railway lines, destroying oil and gas pipelines. In the face of the silence of those who are obliged to intervene – history will judge them. Radio Magallanes will surely be silenced and the calm sound of my voice will no longer reach you.

That doesn’t matter, keep listening to me. I will always be close to you, at least the memory which you will have of me will be one of a worthy man who was faithful to his country.

The people must defend themselves but not sacrifice themselves. The people must not let themselves be exterminated and must never humiliate themselves.

Workers of my country: I have faith in Chile and its destiny. Other men will overcome the dark and harsh times in which betrayal wishes to prevail.

Move forward in the knowledge that, very soon, great avenues will open up along which the free man will pass to build a better society. Long live Chile, long live the people and long live the workers!

These are my last words, I am sure that this sacrifice will not be in vain.

I am sure that at the very least, it will be a moral punishment to reprimand spinelessness, cowardice and betrayal.