Memory of defeat in the Russo-Japanese War makes a lower Soviet ratio politically implausible for Stalin. Equal Soviet and Japanese allowances can satisfy both sides for different reasons. Moscow gains recognition as Japan's peer, while Tokyo receives permission to build three additional battleships before it expects to leave the treaty system. Twelve battleships for each pushes Britain and the United States toward twenty. Expanded carrier, cruiser, and destroyer allowances spread enough benefit to keep the conference together.
Chapter · 57:06-1:08:15
Parity with Japan unlocks a six-power bargain
Stalin refuses a French or Italian share, while Japan accepts Soviet parity in exchange for permission to build more ships before leaving the treaty system.