News that General Antonio de Spinola had resigned as President of Portugal was greeted with jubilant demonstrations in the capital, Lisbon. thousands of Portugal's left wing paraded in the city and hundreds more gathered in a bull ring. They waved banners, sang revolutionary songs and chanted the name of the new President, General Costa Gomes.

An estimated seven thousand rank and file members of Portugal's trade unions gathered for the bull ring rally.

As the demonstrations went on General Gomes made an appeal for national unity and order.

SYNOPSIS: Even as the demonstrations were being held, General Gomes was on nationwide television and radio appealing to the people for national unity and order. Within hours of General Spinola's resignation special troops started carrying out raids on right wing organisations. They confiscated material which was described as counter-revolutionary. It was also reported arms had been seized.