A 60,000-ton ceiling would prevent Stalin from building the roughly 240-submarine force he wanted, although Soviet industry could not produce it quickly anyway. Submarines therefore become the principal concession in a treaty otherwise enlarged around Soviet ambitions. Moscow could present equal submarine tonnage with Britain, the United States, and Japan as recognition of great-power status. The shared exception for three submarines of up to 2,800 tons with 6.1-inch guns would also leave room for distinctive Soviet large-submarine designs.
Notable Point · 54:19-55:40
Submarine tonnage as Stalin's treaty concession
Moscow could accept a restricted submarine program while presenting equal tonnage with Britain, the United States, and Japan as a diplomatic success.