French sailors brought years of training and recent operational experience in Norway, the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. In this interpretation, they did not feel defeated when France collapsed because the navy had been performing its assigned tasks successfully. Defence of the land borders had usually given the army priority, with the air force also competing for attention. The navy's duties centred on overseas presence, imperial policing and secure sea communications. Some soldiers also believed they could continue fighting. The government's decision to stop therefore came while military capability and willingness to resist remained.
Chapter · 29:42-31:45
Naval capability and the collapse of French government
The navy's ability to continue fighting was separate from the government's decision to end the campaign.