France's Far East fleet as an allied force enabler

The Far Eastern empire could not be defended by France against Britain or the United States, and a Japanese attack would likely draw both powers into the conflict. France's useful contribution was therefore a fast strike group for raider hunting and early reinforcement. A Mediterranean and Indian Ocean route through French Indochina made cooperation with the Royal Navy more practical than crossing the Atlantic and Pacific to join the US Navy. The fast group could share British fuel points, reinforce Singapore, and arrive before the slower main battle fleet constrained by older British battleships. Compatibility with British bases and operational plans offered France military utility and a stronger voice in the eventual coalition.