A naval building race also depends on how accurately each state can measure its rivals. Japan could conceal construction more effectively than Germany because foreign visitors and observers stood out more readily. Germany's dense commercial connections, tourist traffic and ships passing its ports created many channels through which information could escape. Industrial contracts further reduced the chance that a major programme would remain hidden. Intelligence collection therefore belongs alongside shipyard capacity and treaty limits when comparing rival building programmes.
Notable Point · 58:43-59:37
Why German construction was harder to conceal
Geography, commercial connections and traffic through European ports make German shipbuilding easier for rivals to observe than Japanese construction.