Italian and French Navy

[Hairog]

Two questions.

1. Before England and Italy go to war, if ever, why cannot the Italian navy pass through Gibraltar and into the Atlantic? Was this the case historically? Was the Italian fleet denied access to the worlds oceans before the start of hostilities?

2. Is there a chance that the French fleet is not destroyed by the English in this game? is there a possibility that it will fall into the hands of the Germans or that it will be part of the Vichy forces?

[cpdeyoung]

After the war actually started the British would have surely allowed a cruiser to pass to the USA for Columbus Day celebrations, but I rather think they would have frowned on much more.  The Italians would not have had the logistical support outside the Med anyway.
 
The French Fleet which survives will be Vichy, and if Vichy turns it will be a potent force against the Royal Navy.  They will show up in the North Sea, and I have seen them in the Baltic in my current game.  This always makes Vichy my number one diplomatic target when I have the Axis.  I love having the big fleet.
 
Chuck

[Hairog]

If the Germans decline Vichy will they ever get a chance at those ships?

[cpdeyoung]

If they conquer France, no.  The crews will not allow such perfidity, such ignominity!
 
Chuck