Paying down debt is treated as preparation for the financial demands of another war. In this argument, that priority does not imply abandoning naval supremacy. Treaty limits can preserve a relative naval position while releasing money for other purposes. An earlier end to the First World War would also reduce the initial debt burden in this scenario.
Notable Point · 1:32:42-1:33:27
Debt repayment and the appeal of naval treaties
Naval agreements are presented as a way to reduce spending while preserving Britain's relative naval position.