Japan still accepts an unequal ratio, but the chance to complete or replace at least one hull makes the settlement more palatable than a total construction stop. Replacing older Fuso-class ships could create room for still more 40,000-ton fast battleships, although their age would make that choice contentious. France's political and economic instability makes its response difficult to predict. Italy's available tonnage and the already launched Francesco Caracciolo design could support as many as three completions, sustaining shipyard employment and pushing Britain and Japan toward fast-battleship answers of their own.
Chapter · 1:05:45-1:09:40
Japan and Italy gain room to build
The larger allowance leaves Japan able to complete a modern ship and gives Italy a plausible path to finish several Francesco Caracciolo-class fast battleships.