The alternative starts from a ratio Japan might regard as a diplomatic victory while Britain and the United States retain meaningful superiority. Anglo-American intelligence had identified that ratio as something Japanese negotiators valued, opening room for concessions elsewhere in exchange. Existing Lexington-class ships would be acknowledged, but future builds would be capped around 31,000 tons with 6.1-inch guns and a twenty-year replacement life. A ten-carrier, 310,000-ton ceiling offers flexibility in ship size without encouraging unlimited mass construction. An acceptable headline ratio could keep Japan invested in the wider agreement.
Chapter · 54:17-58:40
The proposed equitable carrier settlement
A 10:10:7:4:4 ratio, a 31,000-ton new-build ceiling, and 310,000 total tons aim to give Japan security without surrendering Anglo-American superiority.