"RADIO TANZANIA" SIGN; "MARCONI" SIGN; FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT KARUME INSPECTS EQUIPMENT; SPEAKS TO VARIOUS OFFICIALS.




Initials RC/V/JH/ES



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: THE RADIO TANZANIA COMMERCIAL SERVICE, A PROJECT COMPLETED WITH AID WORTH MORE THAN GBP180,000 FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, WAS OPENED IN THE CAPITAL, DAR-ES-SALAAM, YESTERDAY (FRIDAY). TANZANIA IS AMONG 36 MEMBERS OF THE ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN UNITY WHICH DECIDED AT ADDIS ABABA A WEEK AGO TO BREAK OFF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH BRITAIN, IF SHE FAILS TO END THE REBELLION IN RHODESIA BY DECEMBER 15.

THE OPENING WAS PERFORMED BY TANZANIA'S FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT KARUME. THE RADIO SERVICE COULD BE THE FINAL FINISHED PROJECT BUILT WITH BRITISH AID IF TANZANIA SEVERS RELATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE O.A.U RESOLUTION.

THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION IN DAR-ES-SALAAM WAS NOT REPRESENTED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY. HOWEVER, THE MARCONI ORGANISATION, WHICH DEVELOPED THE STATION, SENT A REPRESENTATIVE -- MR A.T. DUNK, AN ENGINEER.

IN A SHORT OPENING ADDRESS, VICE-PRESIDENT KARUME SAID THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RADIO TANZANIA'S COMMERCIAL SERVICE WAS ONE OF THE PROJECTS ENVISAGED UNDER NATION'S FIVE-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN. THE VICE-PRESIDENT AND GUESTS LATER INSPECTED THE NEW STATION, DISCUSSING ASPECTS OF ITS OPERATION WITH STAFF MEMBERS.