Why a stronger ratio could reduce insecurity

The case for a 10:7 ratio is that Japan could feel more secure while the United States retained greater naval and industrial strength. American victory would remain the expected outcome, but Japan would have a stronger chance of resisting an attack by a larger power. Doubling the existing French and Italian shares gives 3.5 each; the proposed settlement rounds those shares up to four, allowing eight ships under the new totals. Controlled construction would let every signatory replace obsolete vessels and keep its shipbuilding industry active. The proposal does not assume that greater naval confidence would end Japanese aggression. Its narrower aim is to reduce insecurity and resentment over the treaty while preserving American superiority.