AUSTRIAN DREADNOUGHTS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 14343, 22 October 1910, Page 3

AUSTRIAN DREADNOUGHTS.

AN INTERESTING POSITION. THE MONEY REFUSED. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright (Received Oct. 22, 9.5 a.m.) VIENNA, Oct. 21. Count Montccuccoli, chief of the Aus-tro-Hungarian Naval Department, explained to the naval committee of the Hungarian Parliament that the offer of the Stahilimento Technico yards to construct two battle ships had been accepted, owing to tho feverish activity of other powers. Ho added that the Stahilimento was relying on the country taking over the vessels when the delegations granted tho fund. The Hungarian Premier replied that Hungary declined all responsibility for building tho Dreadnoughts.

[European statesmen are waiting with interest tho result of the now and ingenious method devised by the Austrian Alinistry to join in the competition in naval arrangements. Knowing that the money required for additions to tho navy would not ho voted by Parliament, an arrangement was made with a shipbuilding firm to begin tho construction of two Dreadnoughts, the understanding being that the money would bo available when tho vessels were on tho way towards completion. The Hungarian Premier has given a rebuff to the attempt to carry out this compact, and further developments will be watched with interest, though there is little doubt that the money will bo granted in tho end after a good deal of bargaining.]