Reliance on an ally's regional presence makes the relationship itself a strategic asset. One proposed explanation for France's fast capital ships before the Second World War is that they supplied a capability the Royal Navy lacked. Most of Britain's battle fleet could make about 23 to 24 knots, with Renown, Repulse, and Hood among the faster exceptions while the King George V class was still being built. Prioritising machinery power over the greatest possible armament could therefore make French ships useful to an allied fast wing. The accompanying design argument places Dunkerque against an anticipated battleship development of the Deutschland type and older Italian battleships. Complementary capabilities could strengthen France's place in the Anglo-French naval partnership.
Notable Point · 34:46-37:20
French fast capital ships as an alliance contribution
One explanation for French fast capital ships connects their design priorities with a shortage in Britain's battle fleet.