G3 and N3 as a warning against another naval race

One interpretation of G3 and N3 centres on making rival governments reluctant to challenge British naval strength. The comparison is with the late Victorian Admiral-class ironclads, whose appearance could discourage an opponent from testing its fleet in battle. Earlier studies with heavier armament and higher performance gave the Royal Navy options beyond the reduced G3 and N3 designs. The financial argument distinguishes Britain's postwar debt from an inability to build: declining debt and existing industrial capacity are offered as reasons that government spending choices mattered. In this reading, the warning was that Britain could still build several formidable ships and respond to further competition with stronger designs.