A navy without global policing duties can concentrate more heavily on a battle fleet. A state responsible for maritime security across trade routes needs that concentrated force and a dispersed patrol fleet at the same time. Britain faces a problem similar to France being grouped with Italy despite their different commitments and geography. Carrier and cruiser tonnage limits therefore bite harder against navies whose ships must cover imperial and commercial routes. Britain's preference for more 6-inch cruisers over fewer 8-inch cruisers reflects the search for hull numbers, yet the fleet still lacks enough units for every duty.
Notable Point · 1:12:14-1:14:23
A maritime police role requires both battle and patrol fleets
Global maritime security demands dispersed patrol forces as well as a concentrated battle fleet, making treaty equality especially restrictive for Britain and France.