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SV PAN Adolfo Suarez (Spanish Prime Minister) leaving church and shaking hands with priests
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SV Officials waited outside church as woman is led off
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SV People singing "Face to the Sun" and giving fascists salute (2 shots)
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The Basque group ETA are seeking the separation of the province from the rest of Spain. They have been responsible for a number of attacks on government buildings and the death of several policemen. ETA also claimed responsibility for the death of former Prime Minister, Luis Carrero Blanco, who was blown up in his car in December, 1973.




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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Spanish Prime Minister, Adolfo Suarez, faced noisy anti-government demonstrations on Monday (18 October) as he left a memorial service in Madrid. The service was for a prominent politician killed by Basque nationalists earlier this month.

SYNOPSIS: Members of the Spanish Government attended the service, together with Senor Suzrez, at the Church of San Jeronimo. Mass was said for Juan Maria de Araluce, a member of the Council of the Realm, Spain's highest advisory body. He was killed, together with his chauffeur and three police bodyguards, in an ambush by the Basque separatist group, ETA, in San Sebastian on the fourth of October. Senor Araluce's death has sparked angry reactions among right-wing groups who have accused the Government of encouraging guerrilla violence by relaxing the dictatorial system of the late General Franco.

Government ministers were met with shouts of "Franco yes, government no." One elderly woman was escorted away from the steps of the church after trying to reach the ministers.

About 100 people sang the Falangist hymn, "Face to the Sun" and made the fascist salute after the service. There were similar demonstrations earlier this month after another mass for Senor Araluce. But Prime Minister Suarez has said the Government of King Juan Carlos is determined to change Spain's basic laws as soon as possible and introduce democracy.

Senor Suarez has asked Parliament to approve his reform package, which calls for general elections by June 1977. However, the reforms will face strong and vociferous opposition from Spain's right-wing groups.