London Times, 1 August 1908, p. 7: RUSSIA. Sub-heading: THE NAVY. St. Petersburg, July 31 (Reuters). A conference of the highest naval authorities was held here to-day under the presidency of Vice-Admiral Dikoff, Minister of Marine, when the designs and tenders which Russian and foreign firms have submitted for new battleships were considered at length. It was decided to favour first the German firm of Blum [sic] and Voss, and, secondly, the Italian firm of Cuniberti. The final decision lies between these two. The battleships will be of 20,000 tons displacement, with a minimum speed of 21¼ knots and a main armament of 12 12in. guns.
Provided by Stephen McLaughlin