The continuing race against Germany could give Britain political cover for a technical leap aimed partly at America. Waiting until the German contest was visibly over would make that second purpose more conspicuous. An early 18-inch ship might force the United States to reconsider 16-inch development or prompt a congressional dispute over rising battleship costs, a concern associated with Tillman. Either outcome could delay a response or narrow the remaining competition. This is a proposed rationale for a risky decision, rather than an identified procurement directive.
Notable Point · 1:31:59-1:33:12
Why Agincourt's timing mattered to the proposed arms-race strategy
An early qualitative leap might exploit the continuing German race and American anxiety about battleship costs.