Japan's 1934 announcement that it would leave the naval-treaty system was a clear warning that existing limits would soon cease to bind construction. For Italy, that created a moment to reconsider the stalled cruiser and carrier programs before war arrived. Mussolini's position as Navy Minister gave Cavagnari a direct political channel through which to argue for a fleet air arm or closer coordination with the air force. Cavagnari nevertheless continued to see little value in carriers and let the procurement opening pass.
Notable Point · 14:17-15:06
Treaty breakdown and a lost procurement opening
Japan's notice of withdrawal from the naval-treaty system gave Cavagnari an opening to press Mussolini for cruisers, carriers, and naval air coordination, but he did not use it.