Q&A · 2:26:54-2:27:04

American expectations for total cruiser-tonnage limits

It wanted their agreement but did not expect to obtain it.

Question

Did the United States expect Britain and France to accept aggregate cruiser-tonnage limits at the naval treaty talks?

Short answer

It wanted their agreement but did not expect to obtain it.

Notes

The answer distinguishes the American negotiating objective from its expectation of success. Total cruiser-tonnage limits were desired. British and French agreement was not regarded as likely.