How other naval programmes might react

The scenario links the American departure from the treaty system to the need for large cruisers and a somewhat larger fleet. Congress had already directed the Navy to build up to treaty strength around 1934 without supplying the necessary funding, so leaving the treaties would not remove the budget constraint. Germany might revise Plan Z or its cruiser plans, but naval construction competes with army and air-force programmes for materials and skilled workers. Financing devices such as MEFO bills cannot remove those physical demands. Japan faces a similar choice between a B65-type large cruiser and its carrier, Yamato, and destroyer commitments. An unnamed large Japanese yard is suggested as an exception, although the political explanation for its non-use remains uncertain. Japan might instead rely on its Kongos and continue the existing programme. France and Italy are already close to their construction limits. Under the assumption that war still begins in 1939, ambitious new plans have little time to produce completed ships.