Admiral Shire did not give the opposition legislators more time to consider; he spoke eloquently:
"As for understanding the situation of the Toulon Fleet in the Mediterranean, I don't think we need a general sitting in an office, thinking about how to gain personal benefit."
"I don't believe he truly understands the Toulon Fleet or the Mediterranean."
"More than that, he understands Hari better."
The conference room erupted in laughter, while the opposition legislators wore embarrassed expressions; it was no secret in political circles that Hari was the mistress of the Minister of the Navy.
Shire continued:
"Gentlemen, we are in a time of war."
"We need generals who truly understand the war and the situation."
"Only such generals have the ability to contribute to France, to lead our troops to victory on the battlefield, instead of leading everyone to destruction for personal gain."
