The United States is the one major power Britain does not yet want to fight. War is still expected, so better relations are a way to control its timing instead of an assumption of permanent peace. The extra interval would let Britain finish construction, refits, and other preparations before confronting another major navy. The aim is to delay conflict until the strategic balance is more favorable.
Notable Point · 1:07:35-1:08:21
Delaying a future war until the fleet is ready
Better relations with the United States would postpone an expected war and buy time for the British fleet to prepare.