Japan's preferred outcome was a capital-ship fleet equal to 70 percent of either British or American strength. Because a whole-number fleet must yield a usable 70 percent share, the example contrasts an unacceptable ten-ship leading fleet with twenty ships, which would allow Japan fourteen. The ratio could therefore push Britain and the United States toward larger fleets. In this framing, the Japanese definition of winning was securing that percentage without overtaking either navy.
Notable Point · 1:15:04-1:15:40
Japan's desired 70 percent treaty ratio
Japan's desired capital-ship strength of 70 percent of Britain or America raises a practical question about fleet sizes and whole ships.