Raising the capital-ship allowance from the historical 525,000 tons to 600,000 gives Britain room for three ships of roughly 37,000 tons after its agreed disposals. The United States gains enough headroom to complete Washington and perhaps retain or finish additional Lexington-class hulls. A separate allowance of ten 30,000-ton carriers creates ships larger and more capable than historical Implacable while still satisfying a useful numerical requirement. Without a regulated middle cruiser category, navies could instead exploit a free-for-all below 20,000 tons, producing far more carriers and powerful cruisers before the London conference. The Tiger Cubs therefore force treaty negotiators to rebalance every major category rather than simply adding one more cruiser rule.
Chapter · 2:17:09-2:21:17
Higher treaty tonnage reshapes carriers and capital ships
A 600,000-ton capital-ship allowance and ten 30,000-ton carriers would alter the ships retained and built under the treaty.