H3's six-gun battery weakened its treaty-design appeal

Could an H3 design have been adapted into an effective 35,000- to 40,000-ton treaty ship?

Physically yes, but the Royal Navy's dislike of a six-gun main battery made the layout unlikely to survive.

H3's all-forward main armament could be adapted into a useful treaty design within the proposed 35,000- to 40,000-ton range. The obstacle is the Royal Navy's preference for nine heavy guns, with at least eight regarded as desirable. Renown and Repulse were valued ships, but six 15-inch guns were considered only just sufficient for a battlecruiser. That preference made retention of H3's six-gun arrangement unlikely.