The two Lexington-class conversions use about 70,000 tons of the United States' 135,000-ton carrier allowance. That leaves little room for another large carrier programme under the historical rules. American negotiators would therefore resist surrendering fleet-carrier tonnage to fund a new small-carrier category. A separate allowance makes cruiser-carriers more attractive because it preserves the remaining tonnage for large fleet units.
Notable Point · 1:03:14-1:03:52
Lexington conversions consume half the US carrier allowance
The two Lexington-class conversions use roughly half the US carrier allowance, giving American negotiators a strong reason to protect fleet-carrier tonnage when a light-carrier category is discussed.