The proposed 42,000-ton ceiling would let smaller powers build below the maximum when their infrastructure or requirements favored a smaller ship. Dunkerque provides an example of a design kept below its treaty allowance because of infrastructure constraints. A proposed national allowance of 336,000 tons could support ten ships of 33,600 tons. That is close to the 33,800-ton figure cited for Nelson and Rodney. A smaller design might suit French or Italian requirements even if it was less suitable for a navy expected to fight worldwide.
Notable Point · 23:50-25:10
Smaller battleships for French and Italian fleets
A maximum displacement leaves France and Italy free to choose smaller battleships and obtain more hulls within the proposed national allowance.