Forum: The Once and Future Spain

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To the Editors:

I am a son and brother of Spaniards put to death by firing squad in 1936. I am for political change in Spain [Nov. 3], but I tremble at the thought. No government of any kind will give Spain the peace and prosperity she has had under Franco. I and many Spaniards like me love the man.

(The Rev.) Felix Alarcon Brentwood, N. Y.

The Spanish Civil War of 1936-39 was not a dress rehearsal for World War II. The war was the result of the unresolved social problems that have plagued Spain for many centuries. The pueblo of Spain was trying to break with the parasitic and feudal control exercized by the church, the military caudillos and the landowning bourgeoisie. Since the Republic represented a threat to their existence, the plot for the destruction of Spanish democracy was hatched in April of 1931. Franco had joined the right-wing monarchist plot against the Republic as far back as the summer of'34.

Luis Fernando Matiz Boca Raton, Fla.

Excellent reporting on Spain. I would like to add one correction. Your report says the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church "last spring ... endorsed freedom of assembly and speech." The facts are:

In 1971, and again confirming them in 1972, 1973 and 1974, at episcopal conferences the majority of the bishops attending voted for a resolution confessing that the church had sinned in the 1936-39 war by supporting the wrong side —which was of course the Franco side. The resolution was approved by a majority, but since a two-thirds vote was required, did not pass. However, the ma jority vote indicated one of the most important changes in the modern history of Spain.

George Seldes Windsor, Vt.

I do not know Prince Juan Carlos. I did have the honored opportunity to be on intimate terms with his late grandmother, Victoria Eugenie, the last Queen of Spain. If he has inherited even a few of Her Majesty's splendid characteristics, then he surely will succeed.

Richard Williams Manteno, Ill.

You keep talking about the "pressures for change" coming from dissatisfied students, the Roman Catholic Church and the Spanish Communist Party. None of these groups represents Spain.

The factions that really represent about 99% of the Spanish population spread from center to right, whether Europe likes it or not. The price of avoiding leftist paradise was paid in human blood in 1936.

Justino de Paz Balmaseda Madrid

Who Killed Kennedy?

I see that the FBI is badly shaken by the Oswald cover-up that failed [Nov. 3]. How do we find out who else covered up important information about the J.F.K. assassination unless we reopen the investigation into the assassination? Why should we have to wait until A.D. 2039 for the answers? Or is this FBI confession another red herring to divert our attention once more from the truth?

Arthur K. Gibson Grand Rapids