How a 9.2- to 10-inch cruiser limit reshapes treaty fleets

How would a Washington Naval Treaty cruiser-gun limit of roughly 9.2 to 10 inches affect light-cruiser development?

It would likely enlarge heavy cruisers and capital ships while leaving a later treaty to create a smaller six-inch light-cruiser category.

A treaty based on the proposed 15,000-ton Hawkins design with 9.2-inch guns could push the initial cruiser ceiling upward, while a later London agreement might still define light cruisers around 8,000 tons and six-inch guns. Larger cruisers would encourage a roughly 40,000-ton capital-ship limit and could permit faster, more heavily armed British battleships. A higher carrier allowance would also ease Ark Royal's protection compromises and the Illustrious class's restricted hangar space.