A disclosed compromise for Pacific fortifications

The existing fortification rules favored Britain over Japan. Britain could improve positions in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore while many Japanese-held islands remained constrained, making the status quo appear one-sided. The proposed compromise prohibits new bases and enlarged footprints but allows disclosed repair and maintenance improvements at existing facilities. Fixed defenses would be limited to cruiser-caliber weapons with a maximum of 8 inches. Building those batteries would consume real industrial effort and give local positions credible protection against lighter forces. Capital ships and carriers could still overmatch them, preserving a role for mobile fleet power while making the rules more visibly reciprocal.