France and Italy enter the revised system with nominal tonnage that overstates the combat value of their actual fleets. Much of their total rests on predreadnoughts and early dreadnought designs that are poor ships for the 1920s. Both navies therefore face pressure to convert paper allowance into modern capability. Italy has an obvious route through existing fast-capital-ship hulls, while France might adapt a current design or choose not to build. Either decision affects Mediterranean balance because continued construction by one power makes abstention harder for the other.
Notable Point · 29:53-30:34
France and Italy face capital-ship replacement choices
Large allowances built partly from obsolete predreadnought tonnage leave France and Italy deciding whether to adapt existing designs, build anew, or abstain.