PARADE IN PARIS

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31836, 14 November 1968, Page 4

PARADE IN PARIS

New Zealand Represented'

( N. Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) PARIS, Nov. 13.

A parade of 3000 French soldiers and contingents from 10 of France’s World War I allies, including Australia and New Zealand, commemorated the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice on Monday. President Charles de Gaulle, who reviewed the march past, had asked for special efforts to make the half-centenary celebrations which began on Sunday, particularly memorable. The route of the march, through the eastern residential districts of Paris, was chosen to emphasise the part played by all sectors of the French nation—including civilians —in the war. With General de Gaulle on the reviewing stand were the Prime Minister, Mr Couve de Murville and members of the Government, President Francois Tombalbaye of Chad, dressed in white national costume, and President AlbertBernard Bongo of Gabon. Leading the parade were French soldiers in uniforms of the First World War. They were followed by the overseas contingents, led by regimental bands. The Australians and New Zealanders marched as a single Anzac contingent.