Belfast and the problem of the balanced treaty cruiser

Would a Belfast-style 10,000-ton cruiser be the best balanced British design?

It is an attractive fleet cruiser, though a larger type may be preferable. Mediterranean fighting also imposes different requirements from Pacific service.

The viewer's design combines a high-volume six-inch battery with dual-purpose guns, anti-aircraft weapons, torpedoes, and a compact hull. Reducing the battery to three triple six-inch turrets would shorten the ship for fleet work while retaining volume of fire and space for other weapons. The proposal is attractive, although a larger cruiser type may be preferable. American cruisers suited Pacific service better than a Mediterranean fight against Italy. A cruiser built as part of the battle fleet answers a different requirement from one expected to fight independently.