London Times, 7 September 1908, p. 5: “The Russian Navy.” (From our own correspondent). St. Petersburg, Sept. 6. The placing of the contract for four battleships is still undecided, notwithstanding the report that it had been given to Messrs. Blohm and Voss and the congratulatory telegram sent to the Hamburg firm by the German Emperor. It is rumoured that the representatives of Messrs. Ansaldo accuse their rivals of exercising undue pressure.
Provided by Stephen McLaughlin