1.
GV interior Saragat's office
0.06

2.
SV Emilio Colombo out of door to newsmen
0.11

3.
CU soldier saluting
0.14

4.
SV Colombo talks to newsman
0.19

5.
SV PAN FROM newsmen to Colombo (2 shots)
0.30

6.
LV Colombo speaking & side view (2 shots)
0.40

7.
SV & CU Colombo shakes hands with newsmen (3 shots)
0.56



Initials CP/JH/BJ



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Italy's new premier-designate, Signor Emilio Colombo, today (Sunday) began the task of trying to solve his country's three-week-old political crisis and form the 32nd government since Facist times.

Last night Signor Colombo, who was Treasury Minister in the outgoing Government, received a mandate from President Guiseppe Saragat to try to form a new centre-left coalition.

The latest government crisis was precipitated three weeks ago by the shock resignation of Prime Minister Mariano Rumor's Centre-Left Coalition of Christian Democrats, Socialists, Republicans and Social Democrats after only 100 days in office.

Signor colombo, a 50-year-old bachelor, gave no indication last night of how soon he would start consultations with prospective coalition partners.

But he's expected to announce a timetable for the talks in the very near future.