Carrier definitions leave aviation weight open to argument

The treaty defines a carrier through displacement, aviation purpose, the ability to launch and recover aircraft, and permitted armament. A carrier could nevertheless be prepared for armour and defensive guns that it did not carry in peace. Onboard cranes and machinery would help install those fittings, while an escort could provide protection during the transition to war. Changing aircraft weights also open an argument for excluding aircraft from standard displacement. Extending that argument to aviation stores, personnel, and their supplies would free still more declared tonnage. These are proposed readings of the treaty's wording that depart from its intended spirit.