World Notes CHILE

Ever since General Augusto Pinochet seized power in a coup in 1973, Chileans have lived under emergency law. Late last week they were given a respite when the military government announced a lifting of security measures that would, at least temporarily, curtail the government's extraordinary powers to limit public gatherings, restrict the press, arrest and hold persons with no judicial authorization and exile persons deemed dangerous to security. "It's better late than never," said Alejandro Hales, president of the Chilean Lawyers Association.

Chilean officials claim the measures were lifted because the government had succeeded in establishing order within the country. The more likely reason: politics. This week Chile's four military commanders will meet to nominate the country's sole presidential candidate, almost certain to be Pinochet, for a plebiscite planned for October.