How a larger Spanish fleet could reshape naval treaty limits

How would the major naval powers react if Spain built the Reina Victoria Eugenia class and 9.2-inch Hawkins-style cruisers?

Spain could enter the treaty system as a significant power, while its cruiser armament might force a higher gun-calibre limit.

The scenario assumes Spain completes the Reina Victoria Eugenia class in addition to the Espana class before the end of the First World War. Six dreadnoughts would place its capital-ship count alongside the French and Italian totals used in the comparison and could bring Spain into treaty negotiations. Spanish 9.2-inch Hawkins-style cruisers would create a second issue, since Britain would be reluctant to accept an eight-inch cruiser limit beside them. A possible ten-inch ceiling is proposed, with different navies expected to choose different calibres beneath it. The British preference remains for avoiding the ten-inch gun even if other powers adopt it.