Could France buy dreadnoughts or seek foreign yard assistance?

Could France answer the Mediterranean dreadnought race by ordering ships abroad?

Foreign construction is one option; the exchange also considers imported components, foreign-built hulls fitted out in France, and outside assistance to French yards.

A French fleet unable to match a continuing Mediterranean arms race could seek ships or industrial help abroad. The alternatives include American or British construction, imported components, and foreign-built hulls completed in France. Another possibility is bringing an experienced firm into French yards to improve their facilities and production. Existing yard infrastructure would constrain how quickly such work could change output. Domestic completion also preserves national prestige, even when substantial foreign assistance is involved.