Admiral Gephardt wanted to gain control of the ten new destroyers, and it wasn't difficult for him to do so.
In his report, he stated, "These ten destroyers were funded by the Brest Navy. If the government ever decides to deploy them to Toulon, there won't be any financial support for that."
Thus, the government faced a choice:
Disagree, and the French Navy would get nothing.
Agree, and the French Navy would get ten destroyers, although they would operate under the command of the Brest Faction in the Atlantic and North Sea.
Only a fool wouldn't know which one to choose.
In fact, the parliament and the government wanted to choose the other option.
Briand and Clemenceau even agreed that these ten destroyers shouldn't be built.
"We all know this is the first step for Shire to control the navy," Clemenceau said, "even if it's just the Brest Navy. Also, he might use this to strengthen his control over supplies."
"I know," Briand nodded, "but we have no reason to refuse!"
