To Vichy or not to Vichy that is the question....

[warspite1]

Anybody have any strong feelings one way or the other? Pros/cons of either approach?

Thank-you

[jesperpehrson]

As most answers it depends I guess.
I have given it some thought, here are a random of assortments:

- If you are going for Spain it is a given I would say and it is better to not get Vichy than collapsing it. The US-entry hit for collapsing Vichy and declaring war on Spain and possibly conquering Gibraltar is massive.
- If the Axis are strong in Egypt/Libya/the Med and you plan on making life miserable for CW, not Vichyfying France makes some sense. You can conquer the relevant minor countries as you expand in North Africa.
- It will take some time to mop up the last french defenders possibly if you do not go for Vichy and that can delay the next move somewhat.
- The French fleet is a welcome boon for the allies with no Vichy

I would say go Vichy 9 out of 10 times but if you have a special plan in mind go for the riskier incomplete conquest of France.

[ssiviour]

2 things worth considering

If Vichy is not declared Allies have a tendancy to Surrender France for an Incomplete Conquest, still has a strong US Entry hit

Japan will not have access to French IndoChina, not that Germany may care ...

[Centuur]

ORIGINAL: ssiviour

2 things worth considering

If Vichy is not declared Allies have a tendancy to Surrender France for an Incomplete Conquest, still has a strong US Entry hit

Japan will not have access to French IndoChina, not that Germany may care ...

If France surrenders, the US entry hit is half that of the conquest of France (or if one declares Vichy).

The fact that French Indo China stays French is minor. Usually, a conquered France hasn't got the build points or units to build up a defense there.
Having the CW not cooperating with France until the CW liberates Paris is a positive one for the Axis, IMHO.

[Orm]

Declaring Vichy is often the best option, even if going for Spain. Time is always a factor for Axis early on. One alternative is to DOW and enter Spain before declaring Vichy.

So I recommend, as a rule, to keep it simple and declare Vichy. Preferably as soon as possible.

One exception might be if France have let almost their entire Army and Air force be destroyed in the defence of Paris. Then it can be worth to do mopping up operations. But I suggest that if mopping up takes longer than one turn then it is not worth it.

That is, of course, just my humble opinion.

[brian brian]

Best to make this decision - while you do the German set-up. If things don’t work out as expected, one can shift on the fly. But is better to plan this decision in advance as part of a holistic strategy rather than just winging it in 1940 sometime.

[Zorch]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Anybody have any strong feelings one way or the other? Pros/cons of either approach?

Thank-you

Was it that Vichy van in the 1896 French video that got you thinking about this? [8|]

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: Zorch

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Anybody have any strong feelings one way or the other? Pros/cons of either approach?

Thank-you

Was it that Vichy van in the 1896 French video that got you thinking about this? [8|]

warspite1

No, it was playing the game [&:]

[Zorch]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

ORIGINAL: Zorch

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Anybody have any strong feelings one way or the other? Pros/cons of either approach?

Thank-you

Was it that Vichy van in the 1896 French video that got you thinking about this? [8|]

warspite1

No, it was playing the game [&:]

Vichy was known for its spa water - hence the van in Paris.