Chapter 1413 - 6: Naval Ratio_3

Chapter 1413: Chapter 6: Naval Ratio_3

Though the interests in the Far East are substantial, the United Kingdom is well aware that its current strength is insufficient to safeguard its interests there. At this juncture, it necessitates supporting an ally who is neither too strong nor too weak.

And these two allies, the British government has long prearranged: besides France, the second is Japan. France also holds interests in the Far East and faces similar situations as the United Kingdom, both being limited in reach.

Thus, England and France can entirely unite in the Far East for mutual warmth, but it is not enough. Due to geographical reasons, even combined, they cannot compete with East Africa and the United States.

Furthermore, the United Kingdom naturally does not wish for East Africa and the United States to further expand their interests in the Far East, hence it is better to favor Japan, a member of the Far East nations.

Moreover, the United Kingdom itself has significant influence over Japan, which makes it believe to some extent that it can manage Japan.

In reality, Japan might internally be dissatisfied with the British, yet it undoubtedly needs to leverage British strength to cope with East Africa and the United States, especially the pressure from the United States.

At this stage, the United Kingdom and Japan can be said to meet each other’s needs, colluding together, and under the existence of these two major adversaries, East Africa and the United States, they can "unite" as one.

And Prime Minister David’s promise brought inner joy to Kato Tomosaburo, indicating British support for Japan. This is indeed significant, for in terms of comprehensive strength, the United Kingdom remains the world’s strongest nation.

Additionally, Japan itself is in an awkward position participating in this conference, being the only non-white nation among the present countries, aside from East Africa.

This makes Japan stand out conspicuously, hence Japan is even more eager for British support.

After Prime Minister David concluded his speech, delegates from various countries began their turns to speak. The content of the first-round speeches was clear, primarily focusing on each country’s maritime rights and the necessity of maintaining naval fleet sizes, for this laid the foundation for the ensuing "distribution of fruits," so no one could afford to be careless.

Even Germany and Austria-Hungary, which were relatively weaker in demand on this matter, put forth their utmost effort to argue, for no one wished to relinquish more naval power if it could be retained.

January 22, 1920.

The second round of the conference commenced, and this meeting’s content truly decided the shaping of the post-war world naval pattern.

Following the groundwork laid by the previous meeting, countries engaged in more intense debates within specialized domains this time.

Apart from naval proportions, discussions precisely involved issues such as the construction and dismantling of main battleships, down to specific warships, primarily concentrating on main combat vessels, namely battleships and cruisers.

The final conference results positioned the United Kingdom first in the world, followed by East Africa, and the United States, which were tied as the world’s second tier; France and Japan occupied the third tier, while Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Spain were placed in the fourth tier.

The distribution ratios were 6:3:3:2.5:2.5:1.25:1.25:1.25.

Consequently, the post-war Royal Navy’s size matched that of East Africa and the United States combined, maintaining the British standard of two major powers, while maximizing the naval upper limits for France and Japan, thus enabling collaboration within the Royal Navy’s global strategy to counterbalance East Africa, the United States, Germany, and Austria-Hungary.

However, the London Naval Conference this time only involved the main battleships, resembling the Washington Naval Conference precedent.

Regarding the main battleships, the aircraft carrier proportions differed from previously. Through East Africa’s efforts, East Africa obtained the largest aircraft carrier construction permission. Naturally, the United Kingdom and the United States likewise received this, therefore the United Kingdom, the United States, and East Africa concurrently lead the world first in aircraft carrier proportions.

Yet, the United Kingdom and the United States primarily aim to follow East Africa’s policies to achieve balance rather than overemphasizing aircraft carrier roles; at least at this stage, battleships’ statuses remain unquestionable.

Aside from the London Naval Conference, simultaneously in Paris, the European Army Conference was held, which East Africa paid little heed to.

Regardless of East African Army size, it cannot possibly impact the military balance in Europe. Similarly, the United States, Japan, and other non-European countries need not attend this conference.

Actually, the main focus of the European Army Conference is among the three European continent countries: Germany, France, and Austria-Hungary. Being an island nation, the United Kingdom, although a European country, also pays scant attention, as long as a new balance on the European Continent can be formed.