Generalissimo Francisco Franco, ruler of Spain for 36 years, died early this morning.

The 82-year-old dictator, the only Fascist leader to survive World War II, had managed to weather a series of medical reverses since he fell ill a month ago.

His heart, lungs and kidneys began to fail, and he suffered massive internal bleeding, for which he underwent three stomach operations. Yesterday, doctors reported that his brain activity had virtually ceased.

Hitler and Mussolini

Franco came to power in 1939 after a three-year civil war in which a million Spaniards died. He was assisted by the regimes of Hitler and Mussolini, and Spain became a proving ground for weapons and techniques later used in World War II.

The new Spanish head of state is Prince Juan Carlos de Borbon, who will become King Juan Carlos I. The prince, who was selected by Franco to be his heir, has been temporary chief of state since October 30.

Transition

Juan Marichal, professor of Romance Languages and Literatures said this morning that he was encouraged by the developments in Spain.

Marichal said he thought the Spanish monarchy would not last long, but that it was necessary as a transition to the establishment of a republic.

"I doubt the republic will be long in coming." Marichal said.

The new king will have to preside over Spain's withdrawal from its African colony, the Spanish Sahara, and must attempt to resolve growing internal conflicts as well.

A wave of violence has swept the country recently, following the controversial executions of five Basque separatists.