Treaty parity with Italy meant France could not simultaneously match the Italian fleet and cover its empire without an ally. Designing ships useful to British trade defense made French burden-sharing visible and increased the chance of Royal Navy reinforcement in the Mediterranean. Britain depended more heavily on imported food and imperial shipping, while Royal Navy trade protection would also shelter French commerce. With Britain possessing only Hood, Renown, and Repulse as modern fast capital ships, the two French ships represented a major increase in allied fast-ship strength.
Notable Point · 21:44-25:51
Fast French battleships strengthened the British alliance
Dunkerque and Strasbourg offered the Royal Navy scarce fast capital ships for commerce protection while helping France obtain British support in the Mediterranean.