SIHANOUK ARRIVING, BEING WELCOMED AND INSPECTING THE HONOUR GUARD.




Initials JT/V/MR/JG



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Background: PRINCE NORODOM SIHANOUK, THE CAMBODIAN HEAD OF STATE, FLEW INTO PARIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR A THREE-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT.

HE AND HIS WIFE WERE WELCOMED AT ORLY AIRPORT BY PRESIDENT AND MME. DE GAULLE. THEN THE TWO LEADERS INSPECTED A MILITARY GUARD-OF-HONOUR.

PRINCE SIHANOUK, WHOSE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN SAFELY DESPITE A STRIKE BY ORLY CONTROL STAFF, WILL HAVE TALKS WITH PRESIDENT DE GAULLE AND FRENCH OFFICIALS. THEY ARE EXPECTED TO COVER POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND MILITARY PROBLEMS.

WELCOMING HIM, THE FRENCH LEADER SAID THE PRINCE HAD AT ALL TIMES -- "DESPITE DIFFICULTIES" -- REMAINED FAITHFUL TO THE LINKS WHICH UNITED THE TWO COUNTRIES.

IN REPLY, PRINCE SIHANOUK SAID: "THERE IS ONLY ONE WESTERN VOICE WHICH SUPPORTS OUR ASPIRATIONS TO PEACE AND PROGRESS -- THAT OF FRANCE."