The Lexington carrier conversions prompt a criticism of their eight-inch guns. In this treaty-based argument, a carrier's heavy gun battery has less justification under Washington rules that permit additional cruisers. Cruiser restrictions under the London treaty make the same choice more understandable. The judgement concerns the gun battery's rationale under different treaty conditions, rather than whether the hulls could become effective carriers.
Notable Point · 38:22-38:41
Lexington's eight-inch guns and the cruiser treaty limits
The case for eight-inch guns on Lexington-class carriers changes when treaty rules restrict the alternative of building more cruisers.