Discussion in Italian Senate about the fate of the Roma or Reginea Elena-class battleships according to the Weekly Intelligence Summary No. 23 dated 11 December 1920

An item reported that the admirals in the Senate especially Thaon Di Revel (1) and Cagni (2) conflicted with the Minister of Marine admiral Sechi after his decision to sell the 4 Roma-class battleships.(3) The navy seemed to fear an ‘avenue of employment’ and suggested to use the ships for training purposes. A comprise was to use two of the 4 as naval training ships, one as training ships for the merchant navy and to sell the remaining one.

Notes

1. Paolo Thaon di Revel (10 June 1859 Turin, Piedmont-Sardinia-24 March 1948 Rome, Italy), the 1^st Duke of the Sea, served between 1873-1926 and 1936-1943 ending his career as grand admiral. Became member of the Senate in 1917. Was Chief of the Naval Staff in 1921 and betweeen 1922-1925 Minister of Marine.

2. Umberto Cagni (24 February 1863 Asti-22 April 1932, Genoa), retured 1923.

3. This must be the Regina Elena-class, succeeded by the Dante Alighieri preceded by the Regina Margherita-class consisting of the Regina Elena (1901-1923), Vittorio Emanuele (1901-1923), Roma (1903-1926) and Napoli (1903-1926) built between 1901-1908.

4. Giovanni Sechi (17 January 1871 Sassari-1 May 1948 Rome), Minister of Navy between 1919-1921.

Source

The National Archives, Kew Gardens, England CAB/24/116/95