Q&A · 1:46:18-1:46:42

Britain and the United States still hoped Japan would return

The London naval talks continued after the Japanese delegation left because the remaining powers hoped its departure was not final.

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Question

Why did Britain and the United States continue the London naval conference after Japan left?

Short answer

They hoped Japan would return.

Notes

Britain and the United States kept negotiating after Japan walked out of the London conference because they hoped Japan would return. No second reason is offered in this brief answer. The continued talks preserved the possibility of wider participation rather than assuming that the three-power system had already ended.