Russian sailors ordered to learn foreign languages according to the Dutch newspaper De Banier dated 3 April 1936

An item dated Moscow 2 April reported that the political management of the Baltic Fleet opened at Kronstadt the first navy school for teaching languages. Except for the main language Finnish were also Norwegian, Swedish, Danish and Dutch taught. Finnish was considered being the most valuable language. Every ordinary seamen had to follow the lessons. Leave and gifts were given to them who succeeded in learning a foreign language.