- Title: SPAIN: RIGHT WING PARTY OPPOSES RESTORATION OF MONARCHY PROGRAMME.
- Date: 28th November 1971
- Summary: 1. GV Cross PAN DOWN TO basilica 0.08 2. SV Falangists gather with banners (2 shots) 0.18 3. MV Wreath carried to tomb of the Fallen 0.34 4. SV PAN Crowd 0.42 5. SCU President of Falangist branch speaks PAN ROUND TO crowd 0.51 6. CU Veteran 0.54 7. MV Speaker 0.58 8. CU Veteran 1.02 9. LOW ANGLE Cross PAN DOWN TO Falangists saluting 1.12 10. GV & CU Falangists saluting 1.23 11. SV Falangists leave meeting (2 shots) 1.34 Initials BB/1430 DE/DE/BB/1511 Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
- Embargoed: 13th December 1971 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: NEAR MADRID, SPAIN
- Country: Spain
- Reuters ID: LVAB8DAU7ZPGEACFJBQXSNK8SV27
- Story Text: About three thousand members of the officially defunct Falange Party gathered in the Valley of the Fallen near Madrid on Sunday (November 29).
It was the biggest meeting of the party for years and was intended to demonstrate the size and virulence of the Falange Party
But the meeting developed into a protest by party members against General Franco's plan to restore the Spanish monarchy.
SYNOPSIS: The basilica of the Valley of the Falien near Madrid was the setting on Sunday for the largest political meeting held by the Falange Party for many years. Three thousand members of the officially defunct party attended the rally--intended to demonstrates that the right-wing party still exists and is flourishing.
Party members placed wreaths on the tomb of the Fallen--a memorial to the dead of the Spanish Civil War. Many Falangists fought alongside General France during the civil war--and Sunday's meeting called for a return to the ideals for which they fought.
Members of the Falange Party chanted political slogans--and party leaders pledged to continue the struggle for political recognition. No political parties are allowed in Spain under present law. The crowd was told that the meeting was being held after privations and sacrifices of every type. A similar gathering planned eight days earlier at Alicante was prohibited by the government.
But what had been planned as a demonstration of support for the Falange Party developed into a protest against various changes wrought by the Franco government--including plans for restoration of the Spanish monarchy. Fascist salutes were backed by shouts denouncing the government--and the Roman Catholic lay organisation, Opus Dei???
As the fascist salutes continued, the crowd chanted "Falange yes, monarchy no". Civil war veterans were prominent in the crowd: many wore uniforms. But there was also a strong representation from junior members.
Despite the angry tone of the meeting, the police on duty were not needed and the Falange party members dispersed quietly.
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