1.
GV EXT Church (2 shots)
0.11

2.
CU & GV INT Church service in progress (3 shots)
0.50

3.
GV & CU people reading newspapers in street (4 shots)
1.09

4.
LV Franco's palace
1.14



Initials BB/2130



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The man who has led Spain for the past 39 years, General Francisco Franco, now appears to be close to death.

General Franco, aged 82, has suffered from a series of heart ailments for several years and he suffered another serious heart attack last week.

Spanish officials at one stage said the General was "recovering" but it has now been revealed that the Spanish leader was received the Last Rites of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Last Rites are only given by the Church to people who are considered to be extremely close to death.

A statement issued from the Palace said that General Franco "was in full possession of all his faculties". However observers believe that this information may have been realised to dampen down rumours that the General has been in a coma for several days.