San Sebastian, scene of recent violent Basque protests against the death sentences imposed in the Burgos trial, was quiet yesterday (Wednesday) -- as all Spain waited for General Franco's decision on whether to commute the death sentences passed on six young Basque guerrillas.

No incidents were reported from the industrial suburbs of San Sebastian, where 20,000 workers started a protest strike the previous day. There had also been stoppages in the docks.

Tension was apparent as people drifted through the streets eyeing police vehicles. It evaporated in an outburst of relief and joy when general Franco announced a few hours later that he had reprieved the six Basques.

The Bishop of San Sebastian, Monsignor Jacinto Argaya, said the reprieve decision would greatly contribute to peace in the Basque province of Guipuzcoa, which has been under a state of emergency for three months.

Pending the reprieve, the tenseness of the situation led to reports of tighter controls being introduced by border guards at the frontier with France. Queues of traffic developed as vehicles and occupants were checked by the guards.