The proposed 40,000- to 42,000-ton range is intended to let each signatory build a credible capital ship. A common ceiling would prevent a navy from compensating for inefficient design simply by adding displacement. Competition would instead depend on naval constructors, shipyards and how effectively they used the available tonnage. In this proposal, the higher allowance removes the design constraints criticized at 35,000 tons while retaining a limit on ship size. That is the intended reason for signatories to regard compliance as workable.
Notable Point · 1:24:39-1:25:49
A workable ceiling rewards naval constructors
The proposed common ceiling would shift competition toward naval constructors, shipyards and efficient use of the permitted displacement.