A navy with several useful small carriers would resist a later agreement that counted them against its main allowance. Five ships declared at 8,000 tons each would absorb 40,000 tons. If declared nearer 9,500 tons apiece, they would take still more of the allowance. The proposed obstacle to a new treaty therefore grows as the ships enter service: a previously exempt capability becomes something its owners want to keep.
Notable Point · 45:32-46:14
Small-carrier fleets complicate later tonnage limits
Once small carriers enter service, counting their combined tonnage in a successor treaty becomes harder for their owners to accept.