In a statement, the UK Foreign Office also advised Britons in Chile to keep a low profile, saying there had been reports of isolated attacks there on people mistaken as British.

"I find this is not the best way to avoid the political escalation of this situation," Chilean deputy foreign minister, Mariano Fernandez, told a media conference in London. "If you say to your citizens don't travel to a particular country it suggests you have some kind of difficulty."

The BBC's Joshua Rozenburg reports from the High Court

The move came as the High Court in London is deciding whether the 82-year-old general should remain in detention.

General Pinochet: Blamed for 4,000 deaths

The general was arrested 11 days ago at the request of a Spanish judge who wants him extradited to Spain on charges of genocide and torture alleged to have taken place during his 1973-1990 rule.

The High Court in London will announce its decision concerning extradition on Wednesday.

Even if the legal moves fail, action against him is increasing.

Swiss issue warrant

Switzerland has issued a warrant for the general's extradition to answer questions about the 1977 disappearance of Swiss national Alexis Jaccard in Buenos Aires.

French victims' families want action

Joshua Rozenberg: "General Pinochet is accused of killing at least 4000 people"

In Paris, the families of three alleged victims of the general's military regime have lodged a memorandum with the French Justice Ministry calling for General Pinochet's extradition

The document says his state police killed Enrique Andres Maria Ropert Contreras, the son of former president Salvador Allende's personal secretary. It also blames the general for the disappearance of French nationals Rene Chanfreau and Etienne Pesle.

In Stockholm, three Chilean exiles have reported General Pinochet to the Swedish police, accusing him of involvement in the kidnapping and murder of family members.

UK lawyers seek prosecution

General Pinochet could also face torture charges in the UK if the attorney-general consents to a case brought by four alleged victims of his regime.

Lawyers acting for three Chileans living in the UK and a fourth based in Lebanon have requested Attorney-General John Morris's permission to pursue a private criminal prosecution under the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

'Unlawful' arrest

The general's supporters call for his return home

General Pinochet's legal team says his arrest is unlawful because he has immunity from prosecution for actions committed while he was head of state.

His lawyer Clive Nicholls, QC, said any attempt to deny the general immunity would open up the prospect of the Queen being extradited from America to Argentina for the murder of Argentinian nationals killed in the Falklands.

Mr Nicholls said the correct channel was an international court set up by the UN.