1.
GV Procession ZOOM IN TO SV Open car with Pompidou and Eyadema (2 shots)
0.19

2.
GV Crowd along route cheering
0.22

3.
SV Car arrives, Presidents towards rostrum (3 shots)
0.42

4.
SV ZOOM Presidents & wives seated
0.45

5.
CV Mrs. Eyadema
0.46

6.
GTV Parade & band
0.53

7.
SV Parade of foot-soldiers (3 shots)
1.07

8.
SV Presidents watching
1.09

9.
SV Torchbearer past
1.14

10.
SV French & Togo girls on float with flags
1.20

11.
SV Women with portrait of Pompidou past
1.23

12.
SV Women march past (2 shots)
1.30

13.
SV Other women past with portrait of Mme Pompidou
1.33

14.
CU Mme Pompidou watching
1.34

15.
SV PAN Women marchers
1.39



Initials SGM/1250 SGM/1300



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: French President Georges Pompidou watched a colourful parade in the Togolese capital, Lome, on Friday (24 Nov). It was the climax of his two-day visit to the country.

But the main purpose of his visit was to hold discussions with Togo's President Etienne Eyadema, particularly on financial matters. He has told African economists that France will only consider changing the franc Zone after concerted negotiations with all the African nations concerned.

President Etienne Eyadema asked the French leader to consider a new parity between the French and CFA Francs. He is also concerned because the CFA Franc is not convertible on world money markets.

SYNOPSIS: In Lome, the capital of Togo, crowds cheered the arrival of two Presidents. Their own President Etienne Eyadema was accompanied by President Georges Pompidou of France, who was making a two-day visit to Togo.

President Pompidou had previously visited Upper Volta.

It was his third tour of French-speaking African countries since he became President in March, 1969. Observers saw the latest trip as a milestone in relations between France and the Francophone African nations. It was noted for its valuable discussions, especially on financial matters.

But there was still time for pleasure, and the two Presidents' wives joined them to watch a parade in honour of the visit.

The parade included members of Togo's Army. Togo's armed forces total only about two thousand men, and the army consists of a single battalion. France provides most of the equipment, and also helps with training.

The close links between Togo and France were reflected over and over in the parade.

On this float two girls each carried the flag of the other nation.

A portrait of President Pompidou was carried by members of a women's organisation.

Madame Pompidou was feted in a similar way, by the ladies of Togo.