An item referred to the magazine Marine Rundschau dated March 1938 reporting that according to US Navy intelligence tidings in April the Japanese naval shipbuilding program started. The were proofs that the program included the building of 4 battleships of unknown tonnage of which already 2 were laid down (1), 2 aircraft carriers (2), 8 cruisers and 15 submarines (the first part of the totally 50 t be built in the next 5-6 years). On Formosa were all efforts done to establish a new naval base.
Notes
1. This must be the Yamato-class consisting of the Yamato (laid down on 4 November 1937, Musashi (laid down on 29 March 1938), Shinano and the never completed No. 111 with a displacement of 69.988 (standard)-73.000 (full load) tons. And a main armament of 3x3-46cm/18.1” guns.
2. The Shokaku-class consisting of the Shokaku (laid down on 12 December 1937) and the Zuikaku (laid down on 25 May 1938)?
