Areilza, José María de

b. 1909, Portugalete (Vizcaya)

   Diplomat and politician

   Though a supporter of Franco until the 1960s, Areilza became convinced of the need for reform, and evolved towards support for a conservative democratic monarchy, resigning as Ambassador to Paris in 1964 to become political secretary to the Pretender, Don Juan de Borbón. On the death of Franco, he became Foreign Minister in the Arias Navarro government, but refused to serve in the Suárez cabinet formed in 1976. He failed to win the leadership of UCD, and helped to found Coalición Democrática (Democratic Coalition), which later became one of the components of the PP.

   EAMONN RODGERS