Removing I3's heavy armour would cut substantial weight, although one estimate still leaves a carrier of roughly 40,000 tons. A proposed settlement would permit four British I3 conversions, four American Lexington conversions, and two Japanese Amagi conversions. That allocation alone falls short of Japan's share under a 5:5:3 ratio. Giving each country one purpose-built 35,000-ton carrier restores that ratio by ship numbers, with experimental carriers eventually withdrawn as replacements enter service. Britain would still object that five large carriers did not provide enough separate ships for worldwide commitments.
Notable Point · 2:02:20-2:06:16
Fitting giant I3 carrier conversions into a treaty ratio
Within the enlarged-dock counterfactual, a carrier-conversion bargain restores a 5:5:3 numerical ratio but leaves British global coverage unresolved.