Britain had used cruisers to deter Japan without committing a battle fleet to the Far East. Their presence left open the possibility that a much larger Royal Navy force could follow. Deploying battleships reduced that uncertainty because the force actually sent revealed what Britain could spare. Against a leading naval power, a small deployment therefore risked exposing the limits of British strength.
Notable Point · 6:47-8:05
Why cruiser deterrence left Britain's battle-fleet strength uncertain
Cruisers maintained a British presence in East Asia while leaving Japan uncertain about the larger fleet Britain could send.