Roosevelt's party arrived in two heavy cruisers with five destroyers, while Britain brought HMS Prince of Wales, one Royal Navy destroyer, and two Royal Canadian Navy destroyers. The explanation here connects the American choice to a shortage of modern battleships and a wish to keep the meeting relatively discreet. Newfoundland gave Britain nearby support and the role of host. Prince of Wales offered space for discussions, controlled access, and control over signals, while official photographers could work aboard and have their pictures checked later. Her return to service after damage also displayed British repair capacity and combat experience, including the reverses of war. Her approaching dispatch to the Far East gave her a further significance as a commitment to Pacific allies and possible cooperation with American forces.
Chapter · 19:34-22:33
HMS Prince of Wales was both venue and strategic signal
The battleship provided a secure venue and displayed British combat experience, repair capacity, and concern about a possible Pacific war.