1.
TV: M. Mitterrand campaigning surrounded by supporters.
0.30

2.
CU: Paris area sign.
0.33

3.
SV: Mitterrand meeting people in the streets.
0.38

4.
CU: people running and scuffling.
0.56

5.
CU: Mitterrand hatless and with stains on raincoat, surrounded by supporters.
1.11

6.
CU: opposing faction chanting and pushing.
1.30

7.
CU: Man scattering pamphlets is pushed.
1.38

8.
TV PAN: Mitterrand continues tour surrounded by supporters.
1.40



Initials RH/2210



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In Paris on Wednesday (22 February) the French Socialist leader, M. Francois Mitterrand, was hit by eggs and tomatoes thrown by members of an extreme right wing party. He had been out campaigning in support of one of his party's candidates in the forthcoming elections.

SYNOPSIS: M. Mitterrand was in a Parisian suburb to campaign for his party candidate there, M. Paul Quiles. With the first round of the elections now less than a month away the latest opinion polls give the combined left wing parties a healthy lead. But at a luncheon in the capital earlier that day M. Mitterrand ruled out any hope of agreement with the Communists before the first poll....their previous union broke up last September.

It was when M. Mitterrand was in the Streets that trouble began.

He was suddenly bombarded with eggs and tomatoes thrown by members of the New Forces party, who were apparently lying in wait. There were about 20 of the right wing extremists and their action caused confusion for a few moments amongst M. Mitterrand's entourage.

They gathered around him to offer protection from the missiles and he finally emerged without his hat and with a few stains on his raincoat. Carrying a red rose he continued his street tour.

meanwhile members of the opposing New Forces party shouted out hostile slogans. They said they had taken action to show M. Mitterrand how the people treated those who lied. M. Mitterrand described the attack as a demonstration of Fascist methods.

There was further friction when one of the right-wingers scattered pamphlets. Blows were exchanged during the scuffles but no injuries reported.