SPAIN: TRIAL OF COUP PLOTTERS

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0005630059
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: June 24, 2015
• Document Release Date: June 14, 2011
• Case Number: F-2010-00505
• Publication Date: February 16, 1982

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National Intelligence Daily
Tuesday
16 February 1982
APPROVED FOR RELEASED
DATE: 05-25-2011
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 SPAIN: Trial of. Coup Plotters
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A military court will begin on Friday to try the
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30-year sentences for three accused ringleaders--General
Armada, General Milans del Bosch, and Lieutenant Colonel
Tejero--and much lighter sentences for most of the others.
The trial will be held in a volatile political at-
mosphere. Disarray in the governing Center Democratic
Union Party has raised the possibility of early elections
Comment: Much of the military is disenchanted with
the government, but only a small minority has directly
challenged it so far. The trial could weaken the resolve
of the majority to stand in the way of the radicals,
particularly if press coverage makes it appear that the
military as a whole is being tried. Rough treatment for
the highly respected Armada and Milans del Bosch also
could make tempers flare.
The trial, moreover, may weaken King Juan Carlos's
ability to restrain the military. Defense assertions
that the plotters thought that they had the King's tacit
consent could imply betrayal by Juan Carlos, who moved
forcefully and publicly against the plotters after the
attempt was under way. Such charges would be especially
damaging because the King had long been close to Armada.
The government probably will be able to contain
these challenges. Although the government and its par-
liamentary opposition both want verdicts that would dis-
courage other disgruntled officers, they may try to limit
military unhappiness through private assurances of good
treatment and early pardons for those convicted. The
sensitivity to military concerns shown by the government
over the past year, combined with recent top-level per-
sonnel changes, will help the government keep ahead of
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16 February 1982