King's thesis divided prospective enemies between Britain in the Atlantic and Japan in the Pacific. Confining British naval power to one ocean understates how even a small British force in the Pacific could divert American strength from the main Atlantic contest. The British scenario still works as prudent planning against the world's other leading navy during a contest for primacy. By 1933, however, Japan was the more realistic opponent and therefore the central practical danger.
Notable Point · 48:18-50:53
King planned against Britain as a worst case and Japan as the likely enemy
King's thesis considered the Royal Navy as the most demanding Atlantic opponent while treating Japan as America's realistic Pacific threat.