Removing Darlan would leave several senior officers ahead of de Gaulle as potential leaders of the exile government. In this scenario Darlan arrives as minister with many senior admirals and other officers. De Gaulle would stand far down that succession list. The historical rivalry between two leading claimants therefore cannot simply be carried across to a government formed around the evacuated fleet.
Notable Point · 2:48:03-2:48:36
Senior officers would stand ahead of de Gaulle as Darlan's successors
An evacuation led by the naval minister brings senior officers who would stand ahead of de Gaulle in a succession contest.