The 1935 Anglo-German Naval Agreement permitted Germany to rebuild its navy beyond Versailles limits, undermining the post-WWI arms control order.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 18 June 1935
- Tonnage ratio (Germany:UK)
- 35:100
- League of Nations registration
- 12 July 1935
- Abrogated by Hitler
- 28 April 1939
- Parties consulted
- France and Italy were not consulted
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Both Britain and Germany sought improved bilateral relations in the mid-1930s. Britain hoped to channel German rearmament into a broader arms limitation framework, while Germany sought a formal Anglo-German alignment against France and the Soviet Union, creating a diplomatic opening for a naval accord.
On 18 June 1935, the United Kingdom and Germany signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, fixing the total tonnage of the Kriegsmarine at 35% of that of the Royal Navy on a permanent basis. The deal was concluded without prior consultation with France or Italy, two other major naval powers.
The agreement effectively legitimised German naval rearmament beyond Versailles Treaty limits and strained relations with France and Italy, who were excluded from negotiations. It was ultimately abrogated by Adolf Hitler on 28 April 1939, exposing the conflicting and irreconcilable goals each side had brought to the accord.
Political Outcome
Agreement signed permitting Germany a navy at 35% of Royal Navy tonnage; abrogated by Germany in April 1939
German naval rearmament constrained by the Treaty of Versailles
Germany granted legal basis to expand Kriegsmarine to 35% of Royal Navy tonnage