Library /sys$common/syshlp/basichelp.hlb Commands, ASSIGN  *Conan The Librarian (sorry for the slow response - running on an old VAX)

  The  ASSIGN  command  equates  a  logical  name  to  a   complete   file
  specification,  a  device, or another logical name within the context of
  the BASIC environment.  The logical name remains in the process  logical
  name table until you exit the BASIC environment.

  Example

  ASSIGN [SMITH.BAS] PRO:

  Format

      ASSIGN equiv-name[:] log-name[:]