USA could not afford continuous replacing battleships within short periods according to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf dated 2 August 1929

An item dated Washington, USA 1st August reported that not as in recent times was believed that battleships were to be abolished but their service period was to be lengthened. This was to be a necessary issue at the negotiations for the eventual agreement between the major naval powers. A spokesman of the White House pointed out the gigantic costs of battleships and that despite the American wealth the cabinet would study each proposal with interests leading in reducing costs, especially of ships of 37 million US dollars each. In Washington was believed that of all naval powers just Japan would agree in reducing the budget needed for replacing battleships.