Signal by Franco

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33873, 19 June 1975, Page 17

Signal by Franco

fN Z. Press Assn—Copyright)

MADRID. June 18.

Generalissimo Francisco Franco has named a trusted conservative to guide Spain’s political future, an apparent signal that the 82-year-old Chief of State had no inten-i tion of retiring. • Ignoring the chance of| picking a liberal. General-, issimo Franco named Mr| Jose Solis Ruiz, who served' in the same job once before; for 12 years, to head the! nation’s only political organisation, the Movement. The selection was seen as a blow to the Spanish Prime Minister (Mr Navarro), who would have liked his office to control the post, and to politicians manoeuvering to get the generalissimo to step down. Bv picking Mr Solis, a lifelong. Right-wing Falangist, Generalissimo Franco indicated he had little confidence! in the new group of poh ' ticians running the country His choice also was seen to indicate that he would not be rushed into putting Prince) Juan Carlos on the throne as King and new Chief of State JTine sabotaged

A bomb exploded beside two wine vats in Sete during the night, causing the loss of 20.000 litres. Although there was no indication of a motive for the attack, winegrowers in south-western France have recently protested strongly against imports of cheap Italian wine. —Sete (France). June 18.