1.
SV & CU of hospital clinic sign.
0.06

2.
CU Senora Franco out of Car and into Clinic.
0.16

3.
CU Juan Carlos greeted outside hospital.
0.35

4.
CU Spanish police and Franco's bodyguard enter hospital.
0.43

5.
SV Police patrolling hospital ground.
0.46

6.
CU Franco's granddaughter leaves hospital.
0.53

7.
CU Juan Carlos leaving hospital, into car and away.
1.18



Initials AE/15.40 AE/15.53



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Spanish Head of State, General Francisco Franco, who was admitted to a Madrid hospital on Tuesday (9th July) was visited on Thursday (11th July) by Prince Juan Carlos of Bourbon, his designated successor. The 81-year-old General is suffering from swollen veins in his leg - a condition known as phlebitis. His doctors however say he is responding well to treatment and will be able to leave hospital within a few days.

General Franco's wife, Senora Carmen Palo de Franco and his granddaughter also visited the hospital on Thursday.

For the first time in forty year, the General was forced to miss a meeting of the Spanish Cabinet, but he called his minister to his bedside before they met, apparently in preparation for the meetings.

The General's illness has come at a time of unprecedented political activity in Spain following the Prime Minister's pledge to allow Spaniards a greater say in the running of their country. Politicians of all shades of opinions have been airing their views on how to shape Spain's future.

Prince Juan Carlos has been designated by General Franco as his successor to head the country, with the title of King, on his death or retirement. But so far there has been no overt indication that General Franco will implement the Spanish constitution under which the Prince could stand in as Chief of State while he remains in hospital.

SYNOPSIS: In Spain a Madrid hospital where the Head of State, General Franco was admitted on Tuesday. His wife, Senora Carmen Palo de Franco has of course been a frequent visitor. The eighty-one-year-old General is suffering from swollen veins in his leg.

Prince Juan Carlos, General Franco's designated successor also visited the hospital on Thursday. Under the Spanish constitution he can take over as Head of State on the General's death or retirement, with the title of King. The Prince is the grandson of Spain's last King.

Franco's granddaughter. Thursday was the first time in his forty years as supreme ruler - that General Franco has missed a meeting of the Spanish Cabinet. He called his Ministers to his bedside earlier in the day, apparently to brief them before the meting. Doctors say the General is recovering well to treatment, and they expect him to be able to leave hospital within a few days.