SPANISH THRONE Franco’s Plan For Revival

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30406, 3 April 1964, Page 11

SPANISH THRONE Franco’s Plan For Revival

(N Z PA-Rtuter—Copyright) MADRID, April 2 General Franco yesterday gave his support to the idea of a “social, popular and representative” monarchy for Spain, and announced the preparation of laws envisaging separation of the functions of head of state and head of government.

General Franco, who at present fulfils both functions, was speaking in an interview with the leading monarchist newspaper, “A.8.G.” published on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the end of the civil war which brought in the Falangist regime.

To mark the anniversary the Government granted an amnesty, cutting by a sixth sentences being served by political and criminal offenders. General Franco told “A.8.C.” he believed a modern version of the monarchy was the most suitable regime for Spain. “I do not refer to the demo-liberal monarchy which we knew, but to one which is social, popular and representative and which could respond to the preoccupations and needs of our days,” he said.

The Government was preparing laws defining the roles of the chief of state and of the head of the government, and the system for appointing the head of government, he said. This was the first occasion on which General Franco had publicly announced the preparation of legislation for an eventual division of the two offices.

A Te Deum (thanksgiving) to celebrate “the 25 years of Spanish peace” since the civil war ended on April 1, 1939, was sung in the Valley of the Fallen war memorial in the mountains for the dead of both sides in the bitter threeyear conflict. General Franco and his wife were present—and so were Prince Juan Carlos of Bourbon and his wife, Princess Sophia. The 26-year-old Prince is believed by many to be General Franco’s favourite candidate as next King of Spain. Four years must elapse until Prince Juan reaches the constitutional age of 30 to be eligible for the throne; and his father, Don Juan, would have to renounce his rights.