How would exchanging nuclear technology for cancellation of Britain's war debts affect the Washington Naval Treaty?
Short answerThe proposed outcome retains limits on individual ship size while removing cumulative fleet limits, though Britain would still have reasons to negotiate.
NotesOne proposed bargain makes sharing the technology conditional on cancelling First World War debts. The exchange considers creditors within the Empire as well as the United States. Removing debt is expected to take away a source of pressure on Britain at naval negotiations. Britain would still want to avoid spending excessive sums on ships it did not need, while retaining freedom to build those it wanted. The suggested treaty therefore keeps individual ship limits, including a 35,000-ton battleship limit, but removes the cumulative limits on fleet size. A guest adds that this arrangement could also change Japanese dissatisfaction with the treaty.