This article analyses the unknown contribution of the Chilean writer Francisco Coloane to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the German Democratic Republic and Chile in 1971.The article fi rst reviews the international political conflicts between the two German states that took place after the Second World War and the relationship between the German Democratic Republic and Latin America, especially with Chile. Then, starting with a review of GDR archival material and the Chilean and German press during that time, the article rebuilds the relationship between Francisco Coloane and the German Democratic Republic. Finally, it analyzes the role Coloane played in promoting the image of the German Democratic Republic in Chile in the 1960s.