Present internal political situation 2. General Franco's position in Spain remains strong. His regime is not generally popular, but the fact that it is able to guarantee the maintenance of order ensures the passive support of a very large proportion of the Spanish population. There is in Spain a widespread fear of the possible recurrence of civil war. General Franco has been able to exploit this fear and to represent himself as the defender of Spain against a return of communism. His task is facilitated, incidentally, by any extremist agitation in France and other countries such as has taken place recently.