British negotiators could advocate abolishing submarines while expecting other powers to prevent a ban. In this interpretation, accepting their continued existence gave Britain a concession to trade for agreements elsewhere. Other countries then had reasons to accommodate British demands to keep Britain in the treaty system. Meanwhile, Britain continued developing capabilities intended to prevent a repeat of its World War I difficulties. This is presented as a substantial negotiating tactic, with the explicit qualification that it did not explain Britain's entire approach.
Notable Point · 35:18-37:27
Submarine abolition could win Britain concessions elsewhere
Opposition to submarine warfare could give British treaty negotiators a demand they could concede in exchange for other gains.