Keeping a 20-inch weapon secret, as Japan concealed Yamato's characteristics, gives up much of its ability to frighten rival legislatures. Public knowledge could instead drive the United States, Britain, Germany, or Italy toward 22- or 24-inch proposals. Rival governments might spend heavily on an answer even when naval professionals preferred a less spectacular design. The discussion separates battlefield utility from the signalling, deterrent, and arms-race effects of spectacular naval technology.
Notable Point · 3:09:42-3:14:30
A secret 20-inch gun sacrifices deterrent value
An extreme-caliber gun has political value only if rivals know about it, which could provoke even larger-gun programs.