German surface raiders already had the range to operate far from Europe, and imperial dockyards could solve the refit problem raised in the discussion. Britain could pay to overhaul them at Mumbai, Singapore, or Sydney. A prolonged Far Eastern refit would add German strength to the coalition while keeping those ships away from the British Isles. Maintenance policy could reposition an ally almost as effectively as an operational order.
Notable Point · 4:00-4:55
How imperial refits could send German raiders east
British access to imperial repair facilities could keep German surface raiders operating in the Far East while moving them away from waters near Britain.