Equality with France gives Italy a strategic advantage in this interpretation. Italy can concentrate against its remaining regional naval rival, while France has overseas commitments. Concentrating the French fleet in the Mediterranean leaves imperial defence exposed. Dispersing it overseas weakens the force available against Italy. The settlement consequently increases France's dependence on British naval support.
Notable Point · 13:40-14:42
Why naval parity with Italy constrains France
Equal naval allowances create unequal strategic demands when France must defend an empire as well as the Mediterranean.