The nominal 10:10:7 capital-ship ratio did not translate directly into usable strength in one theater. Japan could concentrate its allowance in the Pacific, while the United States had to account for both Atlantic and Pacific requirements. Treating the British Empire as one naval power made the comparison still more complicated because the Royal Navy had Atlantic, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific commitments. Treaty tonnage ratios therefore have to be read alongside geography, basing, and the number of simultaneous maritime responsibilities.
Notable Point · 11:22-13:15
One-, two-, and five-ocean fleet allowances
The Washington ratio looks different when Japan's one-ocean concentration is compared with American two-ocean and British global commitments.