1.
GTV King Hassan surrounded by well-wishers, ministers etc. in Palace Grounds.
0.05

2.
SV Chiefs shaking hands with Hassan and son.
0.13

3.
SV Military officers line up to shake hands with Hassan.
0.16

4.
LV & SV Officers shaking hands with King and son. (2 shots)
0.32

5.
SV King Hassan shaking hands with foreign ambassadors. (3 shots)
0.53

6.
SV Hassan's son escorted into gardens.
1.00

7.
SV of tea-makers waiting. (2 shots)
1.04

8.
SV King Hassan and son walk to table and take
1.18

9.
TV ZOOM OUT to crowds in Palace gardens.
1.28



Initials TH/VS 18.28 TH/VS 18.41



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: King Hassan celebrated the 13th anniversary of his accession to the Moroccan throne on Sunday (3 March) -- and chose the occasion to announce rich new finds of oil. The anniversary celebrations at the Royal Palace in Fez were dominated by traditional ceremonies, with the King receiving good wishes from a Jordanian delegation, diplomats and civil and military officials.

Later in the day King Hassan was to speak to the nation on television. In his anniversary speech the King told his people that enough oil had been found to satisfy the country's needs for several centuries and also provide a surplus which could be exported, and thus further benefit the Moroccan economy. At present Morocco imports nearly all its petroleum from abroad, except for 38,000 tens of crude oil from its own working fields, which are nearly exhausted.

Speaking about foreign affairs the sovereign said that as far as the Arab world is concerned Morocces policy is based on unconditional and absolute support for the claims and rights of their Arab brothers, and on total approval for all methods which they judge to be necessary to achieve their objectives.

On the subject of international politics the King said that he was studying the possibility of organising legislative elections, confirming with the constitution adopted by referendum two years ago.