The London rules allowed sloops under 2,000 tons that were not designed to exceed 20 knots. That design limit is distinguished from the higher service speeds claimed for ships with a nominal speed of 18.75 knots. Sloops could cover ocean convoy and anti-submarine duties, while motor boats added patrol capacity around harbours and anchorages. Earlier construction would also build up experienced personnel and boatbuilders before war. More boats could strengthen Scapa Flow and choke points at Gibraltar, Malta, Singapore, Alexandria, and the Channel.
Notable Point · 47:28-50:51
Sloops and torpedo boats as distributed defence
Treaty-limited sloops and motor torpedo boats could protect convoy routes, harbours, and strategic choke points without tying down fleet destroyers.