Standard, design and maximum displacement measure different things, so the three figures cannot be used interchangeably. The unusually low declared standard displacements nevertheless raise a question about Germany's treaty reporting. The change to heavier torpedo tubes added roughly 40 tons and increased the pressure of Versailles limits. Creative accounting is a possible explanation for the cautious declarations, rather than a demonstrated conclusion.
Notable Point · 4:42-5:42
Versailles and torpedo-boat displacement accounting
Different displacement definitions and heavier torpedo tubes complicate the interpretation of Germany's declared treaty figures.