The proposed 10:10:7:4:4 ratio would give Japan a visible gain while preserving Anglo-American superiority. A Japanese construction program would consume money, labour, and industrial capacity that could not simultaneously support every other military ambition. Permitting useful ships within the agreement could make continued membership more attractive than a dramatic breakout. Construction would then operate as a concession and a restraint, buying time by giving Japan something valuable to lose.
Notable Point · 38:35-40:59
A treaty needs ships Japan can actually build
A workable ratio could absorb Japanese resources, buy time, and reduce the incentive to abandon treaty limits for much larger carriers.