French and Italian reactions to German carriers

France would have reason to watch Germany's carrier construction closely. The scenario suggests Joffre might avoid postponement if the alternative were letting Germany acquire a modern operational carrier first. Mussolini is described as having held the ministerial authority needed to promote an Italian carrier, while showing little desire to do so. Rivalry with Hitler could alter that preference. Their competition is illustrated by the account of Mussolini declaring war on the United States before Hitler. These examples develop possible reactions to the fleet programme rather than establish a fixed sequence of new carrier orders.