In the clearest sign yet that Spain will take no direct action to block Gen Pinochet's extradition, the Foreign Minister said the centre-right government was willing to let justice run its natural course.
Mr Abel Matutes's announcement followed days of speculation that the government, worried about further strains in relations with Chile, would try to prevent Gen Pinochet (82) being brought to Spain where he faces charges of genocide, torture and terrorism.
"The government is waiting for the judicial authorities to decide definitively if the extradition should proceed before it will send [the request to London]," Mr Matutes said.
Gen Pinochet was arrested in London last Friday at the request of Judge Baltasar Garzon, who has conducted a two-year investigation of atrocities committed during the 1970s and 1980s. Mr Garzon is preparing a formal extradition request that must be approved by Spain's cabinet before going through diplomatic channels to Britain. The order must be completed within 40 days of Gen Pinochet's arrest.
A panel of High Court judges should decide in the next week whether Mr Garzon has the right to press ahead with his efforts to bring Gen Pinochet to justice in Spain, court officials said.
The session was convened to decide on a long-standing appeal from state prosecutors, who say Spanish courts have no business investigating former military dictatorships in Chile and Argentina.
On Monday prosecutors formally opposed Mr Garzon's extradition order, saying he had no jurisdiction to try the former dictator for crimes allegedly committed off Spanish soil. But Mr Garzon has invoked Spanish laws which he says allow prosecution of "crimes against humanity" no matter where the acts are committed. Mr Matutes said the government would show "complete respect" for the court's decision but made no comment on the merits of the case.
The Chilean government has protested formally to Britain and complained to Spain that Mr Garzon is meddling in Chile's internal affairs.
President Eduardo Frei of Chile said Spanish courts had no more right to try Gen Pinochet than Chilean judges would have to delve into crimes committed in Spain under the late dictator Francisco Franco.
John Hooper adds:
Someone who will be keeping a close eye on the unfolding drama is Mr Kenneth Noye, a Briton wanted for questioning in connection with a "road rage" murder last year. The judge who will decide London's application for Mr Noye's extradition is Mr Garzon, the judge whose request for Gen Pinochet's extradition could depend on a "yes" or "no" from the British courts. Senior British police officers fear the handling of the Pinochet case might prejudice their application for Mr Noye.