France not building battleships larger as 35.000 tons according to the Dutch newspaper Bataviaasch nieuwsblad dated 2 July 1938

French Richelieu-class

An item dated Paris, France 30th June reported that the French cabinet officially stated not to built battleships larger as 35.000 tons if other continental powers also followed this policy.

Note
1. An increase of the displacement was possible. The London Naval Treaty was a result of the Second London Naval Disarmament Conference and which begun on 9 December 1935. Finally was the treaty signed by United Kingdom, USA and France on 25 March 1936. Italy and Japan which in the past signed the other naval treaties both declined to sign. Capital ships were under this new treaty limited to a maximum of 35.562 tons and 35,6cm/14” guns. The escalator clause supplied the possibility to use 16” guns and built larger battleships if Japan or Italy still had not signed after 1 April 1937. The Richelieu-class consisting of the Richelieu, Jean Bart, both completed, the Clemenceau laid down but never completed and the Gascogne of which the building even never started, had a design displacement of 35.000 tons and a 2x4-38cm/15” /45 Modèle guns. Germany with her Bismarck-class and Italy with her Littorio-class however did not follow this policy as later became clear.