County cruisers with twelve eight-inch guns and detachable armour

What other changes could Britain make if it pushed beyond the treaty limits?

The proposed County alternative carries twelve eight-inch guns and an external armour belt that could be fitted when war approached.

County-class cruisers are offered as another candidate for greater treaty departures. The proposed alternative has twelve eight-inch guns, an internal armoured deck, and provision to attach an external belt. The suggested belt is six inches thick and could be riveted into place when war appeared likely. The argument depends on designing the ship for that extra protection from the outset.