France's treaty position depends heavily on Britain's continued participation. Its reduced navy has to divide attention between Mediterranean interests and an overseas empire. In this assessment, acceptance of parity with Italy at Washington left insufficient strength to defend both independently. France therefore has limited room to threaten withdrawal over a Soviet allocation above its own.
Notable Point · 57:27-58:14
France's Mediterranean and imperial commitments limit its bargaining freedom
French reliance on British support makes it difficult to reject a treaty that gives the Soviet Union a larger allowance.