France could use fast capital ships as the centre of a third major formation alongside its Mediterranean and Atlantic forces. Their likely purpose would be overseas imperial policing and commerce protection in the Far East. Once the treaty formally recognizes that mission, the Netherlands could also decide to acquire a battlecruiser in the 1920s. Dutch options include a British or French design, purchase of the fourth Francesco Caracciolo hull from Italy, or domestic construction. Any of these choices would extend the category beyond the original signatories' main fleets.
Chapter · 56:02-56:49
French and Dutch commerce protection could support battlecruisers
French battlecruisers could form an overseas imperial-policing force, while the Netherlands might buy a foreign design, acquire an Italian hull, or build its own ship.