Treaty ceilings shaped national designs and fleet totals for capital ships, carriers, cruisers, and destroyers. Britain could nevertheless build unlimited qualifying sloops, while the United States could expand its Coast Guard with large cutters prepared for coastal and anti-submarine duties. The 1939 escort shortage therefore reflected government procurement choices rather than a legal barrier in the naval treaties. This distinction separates genuine treaty-induced design pressure from a failure to use permitted capacity.
Notable Point · 17:08-20:08
The treaties did not cause the escort shortage
Unlike constrained capital ships, carriers, cruisers, and destroyers, treaty-compliant convoy escorts could be built in unlimited numbers by every signatory.