Somerville initially prepared to open fire at 13:30, then asked Holland whether any alternative remained. Aircraft laid mines at the harbour entrance while British ships and aircraft watched for French submarines or surface ships attempting to leave. Reports that the boom had closed and boats were still down persuaded Somerville to extend the deadline. Gensoul eventually agreed to receive Holland for what he called an honourable discussion, but the boat journey and formal reception consumed more time. Holland learned of French orders concerning demilitarization or movement to Martinique or the United States, yet the assurance did not meet the exact British conditions. A warning that French reinforcements were approaching then produced a final 17:30 deadline, showing how intelligence, mistrust, and elapsed time progressively removed room for compromise.
Chapter · 2:21:39-2:25:53
Mines and deadlines narrowed the choices at Mers-el-Kebir
British mining, repeated deadlines, and slow communication turned an attempted settlement into an increasingly constrained operational crisis.