Manila opposition leader cool to martial-law council

Opposition leader Benigno S. Aquino Jr. said Thursday he is willing to join a martial-law advisory council proposed by his political archrival, President Ferdinand E. Marcos, provided a free press is established. But Mr. Aquino said that he would prefer not to serve in the council and that he would be of maximum value if he were allowed to form a secretariat that proposed solutions to the nation's problems.

Appealing a death sentence for subversion and murder, Mr. Aquino is free on a 24-day "Christmas furlough."