WesWorld

The Marina Imperial is investigating possible alternatives to new-build aircraft carrier construction and sends a general inquiry to various Naval Attaches asking if any countries have 'slightly used' vessels of the type that could, for the right price, be available on the market.

Australia has Argus, and Mexico might be willing to sell Hosho for the right price. GB might be willing to sell C&G, and if she's not, Australia is willing to serve as a middle man (for a price). *rubs hands, evil grin*

For the right price, Furious might be made available...

Quoted

Australia has Argus, and Mexico might be willing to sell Hosho for the right price.

Looks like Australia-itis (being fiendish, heartless, money-grubbing bastards) is contageous. Mexico has been infected with it!!

I'd say the CT has alot to do with it. Atlantis has a second rate carrier in Siboney that could be sold if it wasn't bound by the CT. Australia and Mexico on the otherhand have no such limitations....then again theres the little mystical story behind the Mexican carriers origins......

(Public response)
The Empire thanks those who expressed interest in the tender. Options will be evaulated and once a decision is made the selected party, if any, will receive a Request for Tender.

(Private response)
To: Commander M.I.
Fm: Naval Design Evaulation Board
Re: Used CV Request

We have considered the submittals to our Used Aircraft Carrier Availability Request per Imperial Senate Directive 33. Our evaulations are as follows.

MEXICO. Unofficial contacts suggest sale of "Hosho" may be possible. Our evaulation is that this ship is of insuccificent size and capacity for the M.I.'s long-term usage, and carriage of FMA torpedo-bombers would be particulary suspect. Legal issues regarding "origin" of ship could also bite later. VERDICT: Not reccomended.

AUSTRALIA. Proposal to act as middleman for British carriers "Coureagous" and "Glorious" may have been made in jest. Serious proposal suggested that "Argus" may be available for purchase. Ship is old but sturdy and "flat top" (no island) layout may be considered a plus as it does not place restrictions on wingspan. Need to inquire as to vessel's last refit. Length of takeoff area may be marginal for FMA torpedo-bombers. VERDICT: Only truly feasible proposal.

ATLANTIS. Naval Attache suggested that "Siboney" would be available except for Treaty issues (replacement date). Same concerns as for "Hosho" apply (except obvious shady-origin theory). VERDICT: Not reccomended. HOWEVER it may be politically advantageous to buy Lantean for new-build carriers.

UNITED KINGDOM. Proposed "Furious". Availability would not be until 1935. Ship is in good condition but will need refit soon (1937?). "Flat top" configuration mitigates wingspan issues however forwards flying-off deck rapidly losing utility and would likely need removal/extension of main deck to full length in refit. VERDICT: The preferred option HOWEVER would not be availble under CT replacement-date clause until 1938 (completion as LLC) or 1942 (completion as CV).

RECCOMENDATION: Barring total collapse of the Cleito Treaty before/in 1935, the only available vessel meeting MI requirements is the Australian "Argus". Therefore it is reccomended that purchase of a second-hand aircraft carrier not be persued, and that plans for the acquisition of a new-build vessel be continued. HOWEVER, in the event of conflict requiring the immediate availability of a carrier, "Argus" would be the reccomended acquisition, assuming the Treaty inavailability of "Furious".

Admiral Piett
Director, Naval Design Evaulation Board