1.
GV INTERIOR..sign welcoming contestants
0.05

2.
SV ZOOM IN..President Banzer arrives and mounts rostrum
0.19

3.
SV Contestants from Colombia parade past
0.26

4.
SCU President Banzer
0.29

5.
SV Contestants from Ecuador parade past President (2 shots)
0.35

6.
SV Uruguayan contestants
0.42

7.
SV ZOOM OUT.. from girl holding Bolivian banner to all contestants lined up
0.51

8.
SV Contestants
0.54

9.
LV Flags being raised
0.59

10.
SV Players from Argentina seated
1.03

11.
CU Brazilian players
1.10

12.
CU Chilean players
1.14

13.
CU Peruvian players
1.19

14.
GV Teams behind banners lined up in hall
1.22



Initials ES. 1700 ES. 1714



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Bolivia's new leader Colonel Hugo Banzer attended the inauguration ceremony in La Paz, Bolivia on October 14th of the 28th South American Tennis Championships. The Championships proper were not due to start till the 18th October.

The La Paz Venue for the Championships was uncertain for some time, following the overthrow of the left-wing regime of President Torres by that of Colonel Banzer.

Nine visiting South American countries will be taking part.

SYNOPSIS; Bolivia's new leader, Colonel Hugo Banzer, welcomed the tennis stars of nine Latin American countries to La paz recently at a colourful inaugural ceremony for the 28th South American tennis championships. The tournament itself was not due to start till the 18th of October.

The gaiety of the scene as the visiting delegation paraded put out of mind all memory of La Paz only a few months ago, when left-wing President Torres was overthrown. The earlier atmosphere of fear, and bloody fighting in the streets was replaced by a friendly welcome for Bolivia's South American neighbours.

Colonel Banzer intends to maintain Bolivia's foreign relations with most of the countries with which its was dealing during the Torres regime, except for Cuba. Friendly relations with the Castro regime ended as soon as the new regime came to power.

After the parades and flag-rasing ceremony, there were some speeches to the assembled national teams. Colonel Banzer stressed the good effects produced by international sport on individuals and nations. "Sport, he said, "contributes to bringing people together. I am sure this tournament being held in Bolivia will be very useful for strengthening our friendship with all peoples of the continent."