The Succession

After the last toasts were gulped and the last paso dobles played in Athens, Prince Juan Carlos of Spain and his new wife, the former Princess Sophie of Greece, went aboard the yacht Eros, put at their service by Shipping Tycoon Stavros Niarchos, and sailed away on a long honeymoon. But when the honeymoon is over, what will the prince do? More than any event in years, the royal wedding revived speculation about the future of the Spanish monarchy -- and about the man who will succeed Francisco Franco.

On the grounds of age alone. Dictator Franco. 69, could hardly delay his deci sion much longer; moreover, with workers restive enough to defy his sternest no-strike decrees, it was time that Spain's 30 million people were given some inkling of what lies ahead when the Franco era ends. The monarchy seemed certain to return -- at least for a while -- but would Franco bring back from exile the Pretend er Don Juan, 48, or would he give the nod to Don Juan's son, Juan Carlos? Don Juan has rarely been in Franco's good graces since their first bitter quarrel in 1936. But the continued estrangement is largely Don Juan's own fault; he has passed up many opportunities to heal old wounds. He even irked Franco over Juan Carlos' engagement. Instead of consulting the touchy dictator in advance, he merely telephoned the Caudillo a few hours before the public announcement. Franco took the call aboard his yacht Azor, laid down the receiver after hearing the news, paced the deck, then returned to bicker icily over details, finally hung up without offering a word of congratulation.

Don Juan is tougher and more intelligent than his amiable son, who does not seem eager for the throne, but Juan Carlos might be chosen simply because he is not controversial. Last week some saw significance in Franco's gift to Juan Carlos and his bride of the glittering little palace of Zarzuela, near Franco's own Pardo palace, for their Madrid residence. But even if Juan Carlos actually chooses to live there, he will not necessarily have a role in Spain's affairs. His studies are finished ; he could not very well hobnob with Franco's family, say the Monarchists, nor with dignity occupy his time by attending the capital's glittering socialite parties.

Meanwhile, to future kings and present commoners alike, Spain's troublesome strikes were a clear sign of change. By last week the disorders in the Asturias coal fields had pretty well run themselves out, but not before the regime was forced to offer 50% wage increases that were welcome to the miners, although less than they had asked. Elsewhere, the strike was still spreading. It was clear that the fer ment had made a deep impression on Franco and his top aides; when even Spain's leading Roman Catholic magazine came out in favor of the strikers, the gov ernment hinted that it might legalize non-political strikes, a major break in the 24-year prohibition on labor protests.

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