French fast capital ships and Allied naval strategy

In this interpretation of French interwar strategy, fast capital ships increased France's value as a British ally. The Royal Navy had substantial battleship strength, including Nelson and Rodney, but fewer fast heavy ships. France's emphasis on speed also suited a force expected to respond around its empire while facing Italy in the Mediterranean. Italy could concentrate locally whenever French ships went overseas. Cooperation with Britain, including work on naval aviation, gave France more freedom to send those ships away.