Chilean wine is hard to beat

We were assembled to taste Chilean wines assisted by magnificent Scottish food, courtesy of the Scottish embassy in London, otherwise known as Boisdale. But there was a problem of etiquette. As we were dealing with Chilean matters, I thought that we should propose a toast to a great Chilean and a staunch ally of this country, General Pinochet, who saved his own nation from becoming another Cuba or a mess like the current Venezuela.

My neighbour expressed doubt. Surely the general committed atrocities? I conceded that the overthrow of Allende was not bloodless. But the sort of men who emerge from history to commit acts of necessary ruthlessness would not have sought an alternative career running a vegan restaurant. Pinochet stabilised Chile, promoted economic progress and created the conditions for restoring democracy. His successes vastly outweigh any faults. Henry Kissinger is widely believed to have encouraged Pinochet.