Britain would be unlikely to accept scrapping completed 18-inch ships to meet a lower treaty ceiling in this scenario. The analogy is the American and Japanese reluctance to abandon 16-inch guns for a 15-inch limit. At least three large-gun ships are proposed to make the capability reliably available. An all-forward arrangement would also help fit the larger battery within the constraints of existing dockyard infrastructure. Fleet availability and support facilities therefore remain constraints even after adopting larger guns.
Notable Point · 2:58:45-3:00:46
Completed 18-inch ships would change treaty bargaining
An established 18-inch fleet would strengthen Britain's negotiating position while still requiring enough hulls and suitable dockyards.