CAPITAL SHIPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 March 1939, Page 7

CAPITAL SHIPS

TWO 45,000 TONNERS PLANNED BY U.S.A. EIGHTEEN INCH GUNS TO BE MOUNTED. REPLY TO JAPANESE BUILDING PROGRAMME. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright WASHINGTON, March 29. It is announced that President Roosevelt has approved plans for the construction of two • 45,000-ton battleships. An approval was given on the basis of information that foreign Powerds were laying down vessels exceeding 35,000 tons.

The new battleships will be streamlined and 880 feet in length, which is 130 feet longer than the six 35,000-ton ships at present under construction. The beam will be 108 feet, ensuring easy transit through the- Panama Canal.

They will be equipped with three gun turrets and will have increased armour-nlating and greater fuel capacity, allowing for a wider radius of action. Increased batteries of antiaircraft guns are responsible for the increased tonnage.

The ships may mount 18-in guns, which would be the most powerful in the world. The estimated cost is 85.000,000 to 100.000.000 dollars each. The “New York Times” comments that the construction of the new vessels in interpreted in informed quarters to mean that the Government has evidence that Japan is building three 40,000-ton battleships. It is true that Japan has established 15-mile restriced zones round her shipyards.