How would a 1919 union of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark with Orion-class battleships and Lion-class battlecruisers affect Baltic naval development and the treaties?
Short answerA six-capital-ship fleet backed by Swedish industrial capacity would probably enter the treaty near the French and Italian level and force Germany and Russia to account for a strong northern maritime power.
NotesFour Orion-class battleships and the battlecruisers Lion and Princess Royal would give the union a fleet too substantial to ignore in naval limitation talks. Swedish industry is offered as a basis for maintaining ships and eventually building replacements. The participants suggest a treaty position near France and Italy, without calculating a precise tonnage allowance. Germany would have to reconsider plans involving Denmark, while Russia would face a stronger northern neighbour. The later return to this question stresses maritime control: moving forces and supplies between the union's members would depend heavily on the sea.