Conn ter-protests in Spain

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33965, 4 October 1975, Page 15

Conn ter-protests in Spain

I (N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) MADRID, October 3. Counter - protests are mounting in Spain against hostile foreign reaction to the executions last week-end of five Spanish urban guerrillas.

I But as right-wing demonI strators demand tough action against terrorism, concern is being expressed by moderate opposition politicians that Spain will slide backward in its democratic evolution. A centrist group that could emerge as one of the more important politicial parties in the post-Franco

era issued a statement last night condemning extremist violence. But it added: “We believe that current events should not serve to postpone or abandon the urgent and grave problems before Spanish society in its deep and just aspiration for change, reform and modernity.” The group called Fedisa or Federation of Independent Studies includes a former Information Minister, Mr Pio Cabanillas, who was sacked under ultra-Rightist pressure last year, apparently for allowing the press greater freedom. It also includes Spain’s Ambassador to Britain, Mr Manuel Fraga, tipped as a candidate for Prime Minister in the post-Franco era. Hundreds of Right-wing demonstrators chanting “death to all Communists” and “no more reprieves” turned funeral services for three policemen yesterday into a right-wing protest. The policemen were shot in Madrid two days ago in apparent retaliation for the executions of the guerrillas. The executions led to protests and attacks on Spanish embassies and offices in European capitals.

Officials of. the State Labour Union said that telegrams were streaming in from the provinces protesting against foreign interference in Spain’s domestic affairs.