1.
GV flags decorating street.
0.04

2.
SV President arrives.
0.09

3.
SV M. Debre and others.
0.12

4.
SV President at microphone (unveiling ceremony.)
0.15

5.
SV Monument unveiled.
0.22

6.
SV President lays wreath on monument.
0.27

7.
SV Onlookers.
0.29

8.
CU President waves as he drives away in car.
0.31

9.
SV PAN.. President drives in car through streets.
0.35

10.
LV Military band plays.
0.37

11.
SV Flag marched past in parade.
0.41

12.
LV Troops march past.
0.44

13.
CU Little girl looks on.
0.46

14.
SV Mounted band in parade.
0.51

15.
SV President and others wave.
0.53

16.
LV Line of children n parade with large letters.
0.57

17.
LV Crowd.
0.59

18.
NV Procession of girls and men.
1.03

19.
SV President seated looking on.
1.05

20.
LV Torch light procession.
1.09

21.
SV Men carry lanterns.
1.15

22.
LV Smoke from bonfire.
1.18

23.
CU Bonfire.
1.21

24.
CU People cheer.
1.26

25.
CU Picture of President.
1.30



Initials LSW/S/AHS/AS



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: French Premier Michel Debre was present with Karim Aga Khan and Madagascar's President Tsiranana, to celebrate the country's independence, in its capital, Tananarive, July 31.

A torchlight procession and raising the national flag in front of the independence memorial was followed by bestowal of Madagascar decorations. Then came a parade - troops, floats carrying tableaux representing Madagascar's different provinces, school children, and finally a review of the island's folklore and past history.

Independence was formally proclaimed on June 26, but Madagascar's - conquered by France in 1896 - will remain in the French Community, "for better and for worse" said President Tsiranana. At an official speech he made highly complimentary references to President de Gaulle, and thanked France for her aid, but continued - :France is a great nation but she has no exclusive rights, and if her aid is insufficient, and if other countries want to help us, we shall accept them with open arms."