Roma
An item dated Rome, Italy 12th reported that Italy decided to built 2-35.000 ton battleships.(1). The Italian press pointed out that the failure of the Disarmament conference (2) was just one of the reasons for building both ships although still under the limitations of the Washington Naval Treaty. The British cabinet stated that Italy did not ratified the London Naval Treaties and could built large capital ships if she desired to do so.(2) But if this was an example of a new shipbuilding policy effected this the British attitude and preparations for the coming naval discussions seriously. At the same time agreed England that France was the most involved in the Italian plans.
Notes
1. The Littorio and the Vittorio Veneto. The Littorio-class battleships finally consisted of the Littorio (renamed Italia in 1943), Vittorio Veneto, Roma and Impero (never completed) with a displacement varying between 45.028 and 45.485 tons and a main armament of 3x3-38,1cm/15” L/50 guns.
2. Italy did sign the First London Naval Treaty on 22 April 1930 and ratifications were exchanged on 27 October 1930. The Second London Naval Disarmament Conference was held in London, United Kingdom from 9 December 1935 on ending in the so-called Second London Naval Treaty signed by the United Kingdom, USA and France. Japan and Italy both did not ratify in contrary to the past. Dealing with the capital ships was a maximum displacement of 35.000 tons armed with maximum 14” guns. There was an escape for the calibre, if Italy or Japan still not ratify after 1 April 1937 was 16” allowed. In 1938 was the maximum displacement increased to 45.000 tons. As a result of the outbreak of the Second World War on 1 September 1939 ended in fact the treaty effectively.
