French naval strength includes an extensive network of overseas bases. The discussion identifies Martinique, Djibouti, Dakar, Saigon, and North Africa, and also singles out Suez. Bases in metropolitan France would probably be lost in this scenario. British war plans had assumed access to French naval assets, so their disappearance affected more than the balance of warships. Retaining the fleet would also preserve access to overseas support facilities and arms depots.
Chapter · 14:41-18:48
French naval logistics reshape the scenario
The opening argument treats a fighting French Navy as a worldwide logistics and basing network as well as a collection of ships.