US cabinet still not asked for a budget to built 3 40.000 ton battleships according to the Dutch magazine Marineblad dated 1916/1917 no. 9

An item referred to the Naval and Military Record reported that it was still not decided to add to the budget for that year [1917]- the new building of 3 battleships with a displacement over 40.000 tons, a speed of 23 miles and an main armament of 4x3-40,6cm guns. It was even possible that instead of the 40,6 cm guns heavier guns were used while 45,7 and 50,9 cm guns seemed to be tested.