Well Clint
Starting with my French all I can say it is fortunate this forum is silent, speaking wise, since right now I believe our French friends have enough with the Corona virus. We don't need half the population laughing itself to death....
I believe any contracts between France and Britain were Government to Government so such wordings don't have to mean much really, but you have a point. France has always been masters in bringing out various odd institutions not belonging to any of the true military forces, but somewhere in a kind of limbo. So yes, the 184 could well have ended up within some testing place/unit run by something which at least I don't know anything about.
If you want to, yes please, put something up on the Aeroforums. It will at least save my face....
Cheers
Stig