A treaty loophole for improved Hermes-type carriers

What if carriers below 14,000 tons were exempt from Washington Treaty carrier limits?

Britain would likely build successive improved Hermes-type carriers, prompting similar programs abroad and allowing a more stable Ryujo.

Hermes displaced about 11,000 tons standard, leaving room for an enlarged version under the proposed 14,000-ton exemption. An extra 3,000 tons could raise speed to roughly 28 knots and support an estimated thirty-six aircraft. A dual-purpose battery could replace the separate 5.5-inch and 4-inch arrangements. Continued construction might produce ships entering service in 1924, 1926, 1928, and 1930. American and Japanese programmes would be expected to follow. Giving Ryujo more displacement could also allow a better hull and reduce her stability problems.