NEW BATTLESHIPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22628, 16 January 1937, Page 11

NEW BATTLESHIPS

AMERICAN NAVY SPEED AND ARMAMENT FOUR GUNS TO TURRET KEELS DOWN ON .TUNE 1 By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received January l. r >, 6.50 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 The Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Claude A. Swanson, informed journalists to-day that each of the two new 35,000-ton battleships for the United States will have a speed of 26 to 27 knots. They will carry ihree turrets and nine 16-inch or 12 l t-inch guns. The fact that turrets now can hold four instead of three big guns is regarded as an indication that the Navy has developed refinements in the direction of refrigeration and air conditioning to offset the heat generated by the operation of hatteries of four guns.

Officials maintain silence, however. Thev say that in order to furnish a sppod of 30 knots, which is indicated in battleships being built by other Powers, it would require the surrender <>f too much armour and the Navy docs not think two or three knots will make much difference.

No details have boon disclosed about the armour protection of the two ships, hut officials admit that it will be ample for defence against aerial hoijibs. The estimated cost is 00,000,000 dollars for each ship and four years will be required for their construction. The keels will be laid on June 1.

The officials deny knowledge of the report from Britain that the United States might build a third battleship. Thev say that in any event the Navy does not expect to ask Congress for another battleship. Six destroyers, three light cruisers and three submarines now under construction are to be launched within 12 months.