SPAIN: Evolution

Generalissimo Francisco Franco last week hinted that he might soon step down on his own terms and in his own time.

The plump little Caudillo has recently had an extremely cold shoulder from all the major Allies. The Tangier conference door was slammed in his face (TIME, Sept. 3). Plagued by drought and lack of food (Spain needs nearly 2,000,000 tons of imported wheat), the Spanish people grow constantly more dispirited. As a U.P. dispatch from San Sebastian in the Basque country delicately put it: "Demonstrations of affection for Spain's leader have been comparatively limited in number and degree of warmth."

Toasting the Caudillo in San Sebastian last week, General Juan Yague, Chief of the Sixth Region, said that Franco could count on Army support when "the evolution which is necessary is effected." By "evolution" General Yague meant a restoration of the monarchy. Although he fought on Franco's side in the Civil War, Yague had damned Axis intrusion in that war and urged a lenient peace for the Loyalists. In the midst of World War II he had spent some months under house arrest, apparently for monarchist activity.

Instead of slapping down this dubious toaster, Franco answered: "Evolution, yes, even if it were only to let me rest. I want this evolution to be a quick one, but it is going to be myself who will say when and how it will be effected."