In the 13-page letter, sent from London, where he is under house arrest, and released by his supporters in Chile, Pinochet called his arrest in London and threat of extradition to Spain ``the most difficult and unjust experience in my life.''

He proclaimed he was absolutely innocent of all the crimes and all the facts ``of which I am accused'' and charged he was the victim of a cowardly ``political-judicial plot.''

The letter was read at the Pinochet foundation yesterday as the 83-year-old former dictator went before a British court, his first public appearance since his arrest almost two months ago.

Pinochet's appearance was broadcast live on Chilean television and followed closely both by foes and supporters of the former ruler. ``I have never desired death toanybody and I feel a sincere pain for all Chileans who have lost their lives during these years,'' Pinochet wrote.

At the Pinochet foundation, dozens of supporters followed the transmissions in an atmosphere of frustration and rage.

``Traitors, communists, rats,'' shouted a woman who identified herself only as Patricia when Chilean exiles appeared on screen holding anti-Pinochet banners.

When pro-Pinochet demonstrators in London appeared, most with Chilean flags, there was a round of applause and cheer.

Across town, at the headquarters of an association of relatives of people who disappeared under Pinochet, many opponents also expressed frustration.