Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:07:28-3:09:00

How treaty ratios linked British and Japanese cruiser numbers

A larger permitted British heavy-cruiser fleet would also raise Japan's allowance under the 7:10 ratio, prompting more Japanese construction rather than a fixed imbalance.

Imperial Japanese NavyNaval Arms RaceRoyal NavyTreaty Cruisers
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Question

How would Japan respond if Britain possessed a much larger interwar heavy-cruiser fleet?

Short answer

Japan would likely build more, and the treaty ratio would raise its own allowance as British totals grew; modern light-cruiser mass also mattered.

Notes

The counterfactual gives Britain five Hawkins, sixteen Counties, and seven York-class heavy cruisers. Japan would probably respond by building more because the treaty ratio linked the two totals. If Britain were allowed roughly thirty heavy cruisers, Japan's 7:10 share would permit about twenty-one. The older Hawkins ships would not necessarily be the most alarming part of the force. Mass production of modern Town-class light cruisers might concern Japanese planners more than simply counting additional British 8-inch hulls.