More displacement would not make every treaty cruiser converge on the same balanced design. American successors to the scout-cruiser concept could add armor, gun power, and speed while retaining a fleet-reconnaissance role. Japanese designers would be more likely to spend the margin on still greater speed, torpedo armament, and offensive firepower while accepting thin protection. Treaty limits channel national doctrine rather than determining one universal ship.
Notable Point · 2:19:38-2:20:39
Extra tonnage amplifies national cruiser doctrine
A 12,000-ton limit would magnify the different American and Japanese preferences for protection, firepower, speed, and torpedoes.