The United States received 143,500 tons of light cruisers, while the British Commonwealth received 192,200. Combined with heavy-cruiser allowances, the totals were 323,500 tons for the United States and 339,000 for Britain, compared with 208,850 for Japan. Britain therefore concentrated more of its cruiser force in the light category. The 6.1-inch boundary also accommodated the French 155 mm gun. Within Washington-era displacement limits, an eight-inch cruiser could not combine the speed and armour Britain wanted while gaining enough punch or range over a six-inch ship. The Town class illustrated the more balanced alternative.
Notable Point · 9:05-12:05
Why Britain prioritized light cruisers
Britain accepted less heavy-cruiser tonnage in exchange for a larger light-cruiser allowance because the Royal Navy doubted the value of an eight-inch cruiser on 10,000 tons.