How would Free French large destroyers and a cruiser perform in the Pacific?
Short answerThey could form a useful early-war surface group, especially if France had moved major ships to Far Eastern bases before German interference became possible.
NotesFrench large destroyers and a selected cruiser could form a valuable early-Pacific formation. A pre-collapse decision to move the fleet to Far Eastern bases could place the ships beyond German interference. They would also strengthen the defence of French possessions and add capable surface units during the Allies' weakest period against Japan. The cruiser's belt armour should not be treated as strong combat protection. The counterfactual turns basing policy into a way of preserving both sovereignty and combat power while retaining a material vulnerability.