Franco's New Commandments

For 26 years the press in Franco's Spain has been fenced in by a "provisional" code of El Caudillo's own construction. Its comprehensive restrictions, bound into law, taught newspapers such docility that enforcement of the law was rarely necessary. Last week, as a reward to his domesticated press, Franco proposed replacing the old law with what purported to be a more liberal statute. But the first six press commandments enunciated by Minister of Information Manuel Fraga Iribarne suggested that in Franco's Spain press freedom would remain only a dream:

> "Observe the norms of Christian morals and maintain fidelity to the principles of the national movement."

> "Keep in mind the requirements of security and national coexistence, order and public health."

> "Give special care to everything that affects themes or publications destined for children and young people."

> "Observe the strictest respect for the dignity, privacy, fame and reputation of persons."

> "Keep the professional secret, except in cases of obligatory cooperation with justice."

> "Be loyal to the company for which they work."

To encourage newsmen to follow these injunctions, Iribarne also cited the severest penalty for disobedience: excommunication from the profession of journalism--as practiced in Spain.

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