American naval attaché at Paris, France reported in June 1940 reported that admiral Darlan (1) assured to to surrender the French fleet. Orders were prepared and ready to be issued to the fleet depending on the Armistice terms. It was not possible to launch the battleship Jean Bart (2) before 20 June. If there was enough time she would be towed to England or otherwise be destroyed on way. A similar fate threathened the other uncompleted ships.
Notes
1. Jean Louis Xavier François Dralan (7 August 1881 Nérac-24 December 1942), admiral of the fleet served in the navy 1902-1942.
2. Richelieu-class as an answer on the Italian Littorio-class, preceded by Dunkerque-class and succeeded by the planned but not realized Alsace-class. Building awarded to Chantiers de Penhoët, Saint Nazaire (sub-contracted to A.C. Loire) on on 27 May 1936, laid down 12 December 1936, launched on 6 March 1940, commissioned on 8 January 1949, stricken on 10 February 1970 and broken up. Main armament super firing 2x4-38cm/15" /45 Modèle 1935 guns before the bridge.
Source
National Archives USA. Record Group 38: Records of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Series: Secret Naval Attaches Reports. Estimate of potential military strength (pt.). Summaries. Reports from London, Paris, Brussels, Rome and Berlin. Roll M975-001.
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