HC Deb 06 July 1927 vol 208 cc1272-6W
Colonel DAY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the full particulars of the British scheme to classify and limit warships that was proposed at Geneva?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

The following table shows the original British proposals for the classification and limitation of warships, in the form in which they were put forward immediately after the meeting of the Conference on 20th June:

PROPOSED CLASSIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF WARSHIPS.—ORIGINAL BRITISH PROPOSALS.
Type of Warship. Description. Limitations Proposed. Remarks.
Battleships and Battle Cruisers (Capital Ships). See Note 1 Warships of great displacement that embody the maximum armament, protection and mobility, which it is practical to combine in a single vessel. In the Battle Cruiser, armament and protection are, in some degree, sacrificed to speed. (a) Maximum standard displacement not to exceed 30,000 tons. Note I.—The main elements in the offensive armament of Battleships, Battle Cruisers, Cruisers and Armoured Coast Defence Vessels are the gun and the torpedo These may be combined with other offensive weapons, such as mines and aircraft, without altering the classification.
(b) Maximum calibre of gun that may be mounted, 13.5 inches (342 millimetres).
Armoured Coast Defence Vessels. See Note I Warships specially constructed for operating in the vicinity of a coast line. Generally heavily armed and well protected, but possessing poor mobility. (a) Maximum standard displacement permitted, 10,000 tons (10,160 metric tons). For example, a warship of greater displacement than 7,500 tons (7,620 metric tons), which mounted a gun of larger caliber than 6 inches (152 millimetres) and which possessed a deck on which aircraft could land and from which aircraft could fly off, would be classified as a Battleship, Battle Cruiser or Armoured Coast Defence Vessel.
(b) Maximum calibre of gun that may be mounted, 12 inches (305 millimetres).
(c) Maximum speed for which ship may be designed, 18 knots.
Cruisers See Note I. Warships of medium displacement in which moderate armament and protection are combined with great speed. (a) Maximum standard displacement permitted, 7,500 tons (7,620 metric tons). If the largest gun mounted in such a warship was of 6 inch calibre the ship would still be classified as a Battleship or Battle Cruiser if its displacement exceeded 25,000 tons (25,400 metric tons), but if the displacement was 25,000 tons (25,400 metric tons) or less, this ship would be classified as an Aircraft Carrier.
(b) Maximum calibre of gun that may be mounted, 6 inches (152 millimetres).
Aircraft Carriers See Note I. Warships designed for the specific and exclusive purpose of carrying aircraft. They must be so constructed that aircraft can be launched therefrom and landed thereon. The aircraft carrier acts as a mobile base of operations for aircraft (a) Maximum standard displacement permitted, 25,000 tons (25,400 metric tons). Or again, a warship of 7,500 tons (7,620 metric tons) or less which is built to carry aeroplanes, seaplanes, etc., but which does not possess a deck on which aircraft can land and from which aircraft can fly off would be classified as a Cruiser.
(b) Maximum calibre of gun that may be mounted, 6 inches (152 millimetres).
Destroyers (includes Flotilla Leaders). Warships of small displacement possessing great speed. A gun armament effective against their own kind with the torpedo as their chief weapon. May also be fitted to carry mines, aircraft, etc. (a) Maximum standard displacement permitted. T.B.D.'s, 1,400 tons (1,422 metric tons). Leaders, 1,750 (1,778 metric tons).
(b) Maximum calibre of gun that may be mounted, 5 inches (127 millimetres).

Type of Warship, Description. Limitations Proposed. Remarks.
Torpedo Boats (includes Coastal Motor Boats). See Note II. A small type of destroyer lacking in sea keeping qualities. (a) Maximum standard displacement permitted, 400 tons (406.4 metric tons). Note II.—This class is intended to include all surface vessels of 400 tons and under that may employ the torpedo as a weapon
(b) Maximum calibre of gun that may be mounted, 3 inches (76millimetres).
Submarines Warships possessing the power of submersing which enables them to operate unseen, to deliver surprise attacks and to decline action with superior forces. Principal weapon the torpedo. (a) Large submarines—Maximum standard surface displacement permitted, 1,600 tons (1,626 metric tons) or (a) Small submarines—Maximum standard displacement permitted, 600 tons (610 metric tons).
(b) Maximum calibre of gun that may be mounted, 5 inches (127 millimetres).
Sloops, Minesweepers, etc. A small type of war vessel of medium speed suitable for patrol work, convoy or minesweeping according as to how they are fitted. (a) Maximum standard displacement permitted, 1,500 tons (1,524 metric tons).
(b) Maximum calibre of gun that may be mounted, 5 inches (127 millimetres).
(c) These vessels may not employ the torpedo as a weapon.
River Gunboats See Note III. Small vessels specially designed for operating in shallow waters and in rivers. (a) Maximum standard displacement permitted, 750 tons (762 metrictons). Note III.—It is realised that certain agreements exist between certain nations regarding patrol craft employed on inland waterways. There is no intention of upsetting existing agreements and these might merely be "noted" by the conference.
(b) Maximum calibre of gun that may be mounted, 5 inches (127 millimetres).
(c) These vessels may not employ the torpedo as a weapon.
Fleet Auxiliaries Vessels employed by Fleets in an auxiliary capacity such as:— (a) No limitations regarding displacement.
(b) Designed speed not to exceed 20 knots.
Fuel Ships. (c) Guns mounted for defence must not exceed a calibre of 6 inches (152 millimetres).
Supply Ships.
Tenders.
Repairs Ships. (d These vessels may not employ the torpedo as a weapon.
Salvage Ships.
Tugs.
Transports whether for personnel, aircraft, munitions or stores.