In 1974, I was transferred to Spain. General Franco was the Head of State. He gave himself the title of Generalísimo. He instigated the Civil War, which took place from 1936 to 1939, and won it. He was all-powerful. Hitler wanted him to be an active alky in the Second World War and came to see him, but kept him waiting in his train, much to his chagrin. In 1974, he was still powerful and had a coterie of supporters who would shout ‘Franco! Franco!’ whenever he was out and about. He was virtually a king-maker. King Alfonso XIII’s son, Don Juan, had been living in exile in Portugal, but Franco preferred to train the latter’s son Juan Carlos, as his successor. His regime was autocratic, in which the aristocracy flourished, while large numbers of the people were still poor.

When Franco passed away in November 1975, he was succeeded by Juan Carlos, whose wife was the Greek princess Sofia. The change to monarchy was smooth, though I have heard it said that for a time there was nervousness in the highest quarters about the reaction of the populace. However, events moved smoothly and the monarchy has come to stay and have gained respect. King Juan Carlos had been trained to continue Francoism beyond Franco’s lifetime. However, he surprised many by steering the country to democracy after thirty-six years of dictatorship.

India and Spain had good relations and I had no problems during my time in Spain. Members of the royal family have a soft corner for India. The Queen’s mother, Queen Frederika of Greece was said to have been impressed by the philosophy lectures of Professor Mahadevan of Madras University  and for a time she lived in Madras with her younger daughter, Princess Irene of Greece.

My term in Spain ended in 1977, when I attained the age of retirement.

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