Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:04:42-3:05:30

How America might answer a 16.5-inch Hood

American negotiators might demand Hood's disposal or permission to build new ships rather than accept a holiday that preserves her advantage.

Alternate HistoryHMS HoodNaval TreatiesUS NavyWashington Naval Treaty
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Question

What would the US response be to the Royal Navy having a ship armed with 16.5-inch guns?

Short answer

Possible demands include a higher tonnage limit, Hood's scrapping or an end to the building holiday, with controlled construction and age-based replacement as an alternative.

Notes

A British capital ship with 16.5-inch guns could prompt American demands for a higher tonnage limit and an end to the proposed building holiday. Rearming the existing American fleet is judged difficult because so many ships use twin turrets. One possible demand is Hood's scrapping, which could prevent agreement altogether. Another settlement would permit controlled new construction and replacement at specified ship ages instead of a complete holiday.