Could a repair ship conceal preparations for heavy guns?

Could an 18,000-ton fleet repair ship have empty workshops prepared with foundations and cable runs for heavy turrets?

The idea was tempting, but the proposal was expected to meet objections and was unlikely to be accepted.

The proposed loophole uses an 18,000-ton fleet repair ship with empty machinery workshops. Those spaces would contain foundations and cable runs prepared for heavy gun turrets. The suggestion depends on fitting the guns later while presenting the original vessel as an auxiliary. The suggested conversion is considered tempting but likely to attract objections and unlikely to be accepted.