1.
SV President Tsiranana moves along.
0.06

2.
SV Passes camera.
0.11

3.
MV Troops.
0.14

4.
SV President seated.
0.17

5.
CU General Stehlin speaks.
0.21

6.
CU President.
0.23

7.
CU Onlookers look skywards.
0.27

8.
GROUND TO AIR...Planes drop parachutists.
0.36

9.
SLV PAN.. Presentation plane lands.
0.41

10.
SV PAN...Another plane lands.
0.45

11.
LV Planes taxies.
0.49

12.
GROUND TO AIR...Helicopter with trailing emblem flags.
0.56



Initials TDH/S/JF/AW



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In a ceremony at Ivato Airfield, just outside Tananarive, on April 24, six trainer and transport aircraft and one helicopter were handed over to President Tsirinana by General Paul Stehlin on behalf of the French Government. These aircraft now form the nucleus of the Air Force of the Malagasey Republic, formerly Madagascar until attaining independence from France in July 1960.

French and Malgache troops were drawn up in review order on the tarmac, an inspected by the President and General. Then followed an air display by the French Air Force and the Malgache aircraft. It was highlighted by the dropping of 39 French parachutists from three aircraft, and a hovering display by the Malgache helicopter.

A French possession since 1896, the Malagasey Republic has remained within the French Community, and has agreed to the maintenance of French troops on the island. Aided economically, financially, and technically by France, Malagasey has full responsibility for its foreign policy and defence, has its own monetary system, and control of justice.