10th April The Regia Aeronautica and the Regina Aeronautica dela Marina announced a large-scale order of S.55 aircraft from Savoia-Marchetti. In the competition between the S.55 and the CANT-Dornier ‘Wal’ it was found that the S.55 is superior is all respects, notably speed, range and seakeeping. 200 examples were ordered by our government. An equally large number have also been set aside for Iberia but a definate number has not yet been established. The design has also attracted attention from as far afield as Japan which shows the revolutionary nature of this aircraft ( such as being faster than most fighters).
15th April After looking repeatedly at MdI (Marina del Iberia?) 600mm torpedoes, the RM has purchased a small quantity of torpedo bodies. It has been found that although oxygen enriched torpedoes give superior range, the technology is still in it’s infancy. In shock news the RM decided to reject oxygen enriched torpedoes because they aren’t safe. It is planned to fit the same wet-heater engine as in our great 21” torpedo ( which is best in the world), and to have the same amount of fuel. However the warhead will be increased dramatically. Some sources have said up to 800kg has been considered, which is a significant improvement over 250kg.
30th April Announced today was the re-formation of the 1st Cruiser squadron. This was disbanded in 1920 and contained ships such as San Marco, San Giorgio, Pisa and Amalfi. What was the premier cruiser squadron in the world is soon to be once again. The new ships will be Regina Elana (F), Aries, Ulysses, Pallas and Telemachus. The “escort cruisers” will be deployed to Eritrea where Regina Elana is currently stationed. Plans are reputed to be drawn up for the final “escort cruiser” which is tentatively named Odysseus, continuing the Greek trend. Perhaps relations between Greece and our country have settled down a bit?
3rd May A new 115mm gun is reputed to be in the works for a new class of destroyers. Also mentioned was the 65mm/60 gun.
20th June Minister for Foreign Affairs, B. Mussolini expressed his displeasure at Atlantis’ dealings with “the treacherous” balkan states. “After their conduct in the last war and internal infighting between themselves, how is anyone willing to deal with these --------? All they’ve ever done is fight each other. Atlantis calls herself ‘a stabilising force’ in the Eastern Mediterrenean, now she sells arms to these countries?? Another ------- war is going to break out soon. Then again, one ------ easily knows another. Atlantis has definitely done the wrong thing here. Occupying sovereign territory is one thing but trying to start a war by selling arms to unstable countries. Atlantis has just shot herself in the foot.”
25th June Emperor Haile Selassie has been enjoying a week of vacation with Re Vittorio Emanuele near to lake Garda. Little serious business was discussed during the period but it shows that animosity has finally receeded between Italy and Abyssinia.
Tuesday, May 21st 2024, 5:25am
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