An
item referred to Austrian newspapers reporting a rumour that the building of
the three Italian dreadnoughts recently laid down was stopped caused by the
decision to fit them out with a heavier armament. The Dutch newspaper however
denied this rumour and said that the dreadnoughts were completed according to
the by the parliament approved design of admiral Mirabello. The Dante-Aligherie
was to be launched on the 20th at Castellamara and to be
commissioned in the end of next year. The Giulio Cesare and the Leonardo da
Vince which even would be larger and heavier armed and built at private yards
were to be completed in December 1912. Finally the last dreadnought Comte di
Cavour was to be commissioned in 1913. In 1911 and 1912 were also three heavy
armed fast reconnaissance vessels [cruisers?] to be delivered. On short notice
was a ship of 4.000 tons to be laid down used as floating dock and repair ship
for submarines and able to lift sunken submarines. (1) Further more were 12-300
ton submarines, 40-130 ton torpedo boats for coastal defence and 6-700 ton
torpedo boats built. The latter ships al to be commissioned before spring 1913.
The minister of navy assured the parliament that the deliveries would not be
delayed. He personally visited and inspected all arsenals and shipyards to see
what was going on. At the same time wanted the Italian king Victor Emanuel to
decrease the Italian defence.
Note
1.
This can be the Dutch built Anteo.
