Equal ratios and unequal global commitments

Italy obtained parity with France while remaining dissatisfied with the age of its ships. France's equal allowance had to serve more widely dispersed commitments. The treaty also matched Britain to a two-ocean United States even though the Royal Navy had major obligations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Capital ships could be concentrated for battle or dispersed to demonstrate commitment and deter conflict, but could not perform both tasks everywhere at once. Equal fleet totals therefore left different demands on the available ships, especially when peacetime presence required capital ships away from the main fleet.