Argentine Warships in Russo-Japanese War

Abstract

On December 30, 1903, before the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese War, Japan reached an agreement with the Argentina, and Japan purchased two Argentine warships. The two warships were purchased by Argentina and built by Italy, and the two warships were originally named Moreno and Rivadavia, which were later renamed Nisshin and Kasuga by Japan. Shortly after the Russo-Japanese War broke out in February 1904, the two ships arrived in Japan and immediately took part in the Russo-Japanese War. At the end of the 19th century, Argentina and Chile engaged in a decades-long naval arms race as the two countries were pitted against each other over a dispute over territory in their south territory. The rivalry eased with an agreement between Argentina and Chile to accept British arbitration, then Argentina wanted to transfer two warships. Japan took note of Argentina's willingness to sell the warships in time, and with the help of British, the transfer of the warships was achieved through active diplomatic contacts.