No Free French except Polynesia; how invade NAfrica?

[Grotius]

In my campaign game as the Allies against the Axis AI, on Intermediate, France fell in late 1940 but the only Free French area is Polynesia. Could I have used diplomacy somehow to increase the odds of other Free French areas, like Tunisia or Morocco?

More importantly, I don't understand how to invade North Africa as the US in 1942. My only staging ports in the area are Gibraltar, Malta, and the Egyptian ports. Gibraltar and Malta can't hold more than one unit, and I already have garrisons there, so there's no room to transport in a marine or other invading force. And the Egyptians ports are under pressure from the Afrika Korps. Indeed, the point of the operation would be to relieve pressure on Egypt.

Should I just load up long-range amphibious transports in the eastern US and hope for the best?

Thanks in advance.

[lwarmonger]

That is what happened historically. You can seize North Africa with your starting units on the US East Coast and the additional army and headquarters that are produced, escorted by the naval units that spawn upon war.

[Grotius]

Thanks. I figured that was the answer. I'll give it a go.