VARIOUS SHOTS OF CONSTRUCTION AND OF THE DOCKS.




Initials TS/V/MGT/SGM



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Background: FRANCE'S FIRST NUCLEAR SUBMARINE IS NOW NEARING COMPLETION AT CHERBOURG. IT WILL BE LAUNCHED ON MARCH THE 29TH, AND IS DUE TO GO INTO SERVICE IN 1969.

PRESIDENT DE GAULLE WILL BE PRESENT AT THE LAUNCHING OF THE SUBMARINE -- THE REDOUTABLE -- WHICH IS THE FIRST OF THREE CARRYING SEA-TO-GROUND NUCLEAR MISSILES, AND INTENDED TO BECOME THE BASIS OF FRANCE'S STRIKE FORCE DURING 1970-1975.

SUBMERGED, THE REDOUTABLE WILL BE ABLE TO TRAVEL AT JUST OVER 22 KNOTS (36 KM AN HOUR). IT WILL BE ARMED WITH 16 NUCLEAR MISSILES, SIMILAR TO THOSE CARRIED BY THE AMERICAN POLARIS SUBMARINES, WHICH CAN BE FIRED UNDER WATER, IN ADDITION TO SEVERAL TORPEDOES.

THE REDOUTABLE WILL BE ABLE TO REMAIN SUBMERGED FOR THREE MONTHS. ITS ENGINE HAS ALREADY UNDERGONE EXTENSIVE TESTS, AND HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR THE EQUIVALENT OF A VOYAGE SEVEN TIMES AROUND THE WORLD.