Quote:
Originally Posted by Falcon Jun
...As for establishing a supply line from North Africa to Southern France, it's been pointed out earlier in this thread that Algeria didn't have the industrial base to support a large force, let alone supply those French units that would remain in Southern France.
I think what would have been better was turn this French position into a large logistical base with Allied help but that would take time. Remember that at this stage of the war, only Roosevelt's administration was pushing for US involvement in World War II. There existed a very strong anti-war sentiment among Americans before Japan came into the picture.
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Yes, not chance of supplying a French army from Africa in any meaningfull manner. This route works for saving a small portion of the French army and the better part of the air forces.
"I think what would have been better was turn this French position into a large logistical base with Allied help but that would take time."
How much time is part of this. The Allied effort is greatly aided if they rid Lybia of the Italian army. Using their airforces and navy is the key here, for interdicting the sea route. I'm convinced they had a fair chance of this interdiction if reasonablly well led. That leaves a realatively weak Italian land defense to face a Allied attack sometime in the late autum or winter.
Of course if the italians can defeat the combined Anglo/French fleet then they are in a much better position.