Anxious to avoid another clash with the communists at a time of growing unrest in Portugal,the military leaders allowed Maoist demonstrators to march on Caxias prison near Lisbon on Saturday (28 June).

The Maoists, members of the extremist Movement for the Re-organisation of the Proletariat Party (MRPP), were demanding the release of 200 colleagues held in the City's prison since last month.

The demonstration came only days after the military leaders indicated that it could take 20 years before the Armed Forces Movement considered Portugal had reached a level of socialism which would allow power to be put in the hands of a civilian government.

The military group has said it will use force against any faction attempting to stir up trouble in Portugal.

The M.R.P.P. is banned officially ... but that has not stopped its members taking to the streets and marching, as they did on Saturday, in support of members under arrest. Last week soldiers used gunfire to disperse one such march to Caxias and the latest demonstration in support of the 200 M.R.P.P. members inside the prison was watched anxiously.

There were no incidents, but many people in Lisbon feel it is only a matter of time before there is another clash.