The French fleet would probably try to rely on Béarn initially, even though she would not provide enough carrier support. Nearby land bases supply another source of air defense and assistance. Together, these assets could leave the French less concerned about the carrier shortfall than they should be for a time. Britain might decline a later request for a carrier because Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco already provide French air bases, while British carriers have demands elsewhere.
Notable Point · 1:29:41-1:30:29
French carrier demand competes with Britain's other commitments
Béarn and North African airfields could delay French pressure for British carrier support, despite their limitations.