British Proposal - 28 July 1927
1. The combined total tonnage of cruisers, destroyers and submarines below the age limit for replacement is not to exceed –
a. For British Empire and United States of America 590,000
b. For Japan 385,000
2. In addition each Power may retain 25 per cent. of the total tonnage given in paragraph 1 (a) and (b), in vessels over age.
3. Age limits before which replacement cannot take place:
Years
10,000-ton cruisers 18
Other cruisers 16
Destroyers 16
Submarines 13
4. The following vessels over 6,000 tons to be retained in their respective fleets:
British Empire: 4 ‘Hawkins,’ ‘York,’ 2 ‘Emeralds.’
United States of America: 10 ‘Omahas.’
Japan: 4 ‘Furutakas’
5. All other cruisers to be divided into two classes:
a. 10,000-ton cruisers.
b. Smaller cruisers of a maximum displacement of 6,000 tons and mounting a gun not exceeding 6 inches in calibre.
6. 10,000-ton cruisers to be limited in number:
a. For British Empire and United States of America 12
b. For Japan 8
7. Maximum standard displacement for flotilla leaders to be 1,850 tons and for destroyers 1,500 tons. Flotilla leaders and destroyers not to carry a gun above 5 inches calibre.
8. Of the total tonnage in the destroyer class 100 per cent. may be used for vessels of 1,500 tons and under, but not more than 16 per cent. of the total may be used for the flotilla-leader class, i.e., vessels above 1,500 tons and limited to a maximum of 1,850 tons.
9. Submarines to be divided into two classes:
Class A 1,800 down to 1,000
Class B Maximum 600
Submarines not to carry a gun in excess of 5 inches calibre
10. The maximum tonnage to be devoted to submarines of either class of whatever age to be as follows:
a. British Empire and United States of America 90,000
b. Japan 60,000
Of which total tonnage not more than two-thirds may be used for Class A submarines.
11. Except for the restrictions imposed in paragraphs 6, 8 and 10, the total tonnage allocated to be used as each Power thinks best.
Source: W 8063/61/93, Bridgeman to Chamberlain, 6 August 1927, TNA: FO 411/6
