Shire had strong control over both the army and the air force.

Rank, prestige, command authority, along with the production and supply of main equipment for the army and air force.

For example, the army's tanks, which in the future will have dedicated tank cannons and dual-stabilized fire control systems.

For example, the air force's fighters, bombers, and engine technology, etc.

All of these are directly controlled by the Bernard Group, which is essentially Shire himself.

Only those equipment with low technological content and high substitutability, such as rifles, landmines, machine guns, and mortars, are entrusted to the "St. Etienne" and "FN" armories.

The navy was different.

Shire neither had a rank nor command authority in the navy, and his connection to the navy was limited to the Wells shipyard.

He might have some prestige, as Shire was at the peak of his power in France at the time, and even the navy had probably heard of him.

But prestige was fleeting. In front of a real power figure like Admiral Gephardt, it amounted to nothing.

One day, if Shire had a conflict of interest with Admiral Gephardt, or if political enemies managed to persuade or buy off Gephardt, all of Shire's naval arrangements could be overturned in an instant.

This was no small matter. It concerned Shire's control over resources and his discourse power. One misstep and it could result in total loss. Of course, Shire wouldn't willingly let the opportunity before him slip away.

"Vice Admiral," Admiral Gephardt asked, eyes full of anticipation, "how much funding do you intend to provide for the navy?"

"It's still uncertain," Shire considered for a moment and then answered. "No one knows how far the war will develop, nor how great the navy's needs will be. However, I intend to invest the first batch of 15 million US dollars to build 10 new destroyers with a displacement of around 2,000 tons each."

15 million US dollars were roughly Shire's income for a month.

(Note: This price refers to the four 1,000-ton British Wild Beast destroyers purchased by Greece from Britain in 1916 at a cost of 148,000 pounds each, equivalent to 713,000 US dollars.)

Admiral Gephardt was overjoyed: "Fifth... fifteen million? US dollars? Are you... sure?"

Admiral Gephardt could hardly believe that Shire would invest such a large sum of money in the first batch.

At the time, France only had three destroyers under construction, and one battleship was half built but almost at a standstill.

This was despite the concerted national effort.

And yet Shire could build 10 new destroyers in one go.

"Of course, Vice Admiral," Shire affirmed, "there will be more investments to follow, as well as the much-needed materials. I hope to build the French navy into the strongest regional navy."

Admiral Gephardt nodded vigorously.

He understood the true meaning of Shire's words. The world's number one navy was just across the La Manche Strait. What Shire meant by "the strongest regional navy" was actually "the world's strongest."

God, could the spring of the French navy really be coming? Admiral Gephardt felt dizzy with excitement.

However, Admiral Gephardt quickly composed himself.

He knew that although Shire was a general who had made countless contributions to France, he was also a capitalist.

Any capitalist would consider their self-interest; there was no way they would invest such a large sum of money without expecting something in return.

Shire was no exception.

"Thank you very much, Vice Admiral," Admiral Gephardt steadied himself, shook Shire's hand with a somewhat formal gesture, and said, "On behalf of the citizens of France and the entire navy, I thank you for your generosity. We will not forget your contribution."

"It's my duty, General," Shire responded, "This is also our common goal, wouldn't you agree?"

"Of course," Admiral Gephardt nodded and then asked with a hint of caution, "But do you have any demands? I mean, we can't let you invest such a large sum of money without getting any benefit at all."

Shire pretended to consider for a while and then answered:

"You're right, General. After all, the Bernard Group is not mine alone."

"Although I am very willing to donate this money to the navy, I must consider the interests of others as well."

"Perhaps, this money can be considered as purchasing the navy's supply rights. What do you think?"

Admiral Gephardt was taken aback: "Supply rights?"

"Yes," Shire explained:

"Simply put, it means being responsible for the navy's supplies, including daily necessities, ammunition, fuel, weapons, etc."

"I am planning to expand into shipping. My shipping company will continuously bring in materials from the United States."

"I just hope to earn a little profit to offset the losses."

These words were half true and half false.

Expanding into shipping was true.

Shire controlled the safety of the routes. Forming his own merchant fleet to transport supplies was obviously a profitable venture.

Moreover, controlling transportation rights himself would be more reassuring. Otherwise, there was still a risk of being choked off by others.

"Hoping to profit to offset losses" was false.

Shire's real goal was to control the navy's supplies and thereby expand his influence within the navy.

One day, if the navy refused to cooperate, Shire could simply cut off the supplies.

This was especially true for irreplaceable materials like weapons and ammunition, including future potential naval aircraft for aircraft carriers.

Admiral Gephardt obviously understood this logic.

He hesitated for a moment, weighing his options internally.

Agree.

The only downside for Gephardt would be another superior to listen to, possibly having to answer to Shire in the future.

But this could hardly be called a "downside."

With the support of a capitalist as wealthy as Shire, the Brest Faction wouldn't even need to worry about suppression from the Minister of the Navy or funding from Parliament.

There was also more room for development and possibly many more victories.

Especially victories, which could help Admiral Gephardt achieve lasting fame, particularly if they could defeat the Royal Navy and become the world's number one navy.

Disagree.

The French navy would continue to be mired in difficulties, and Shire might completely abandon the Brest Fleet.

In that case, dreams of victory and glory would be out of reach, and the fleet might even be disbanded and integrated into the Toulon Fleet.

With this in mind, Admiral Gephardt no longer hesitated and nodded: "No problem, Vice Admiral. I believe you will be a great partner; you won't price the supplies too high, will you?"

This was another of Admiral Gephardt's concerns. If Shire monopolized the supply rights and then charged exorbitant prices, it would affect the navy's morale.

Shire laughed:

"Rest assured, General, I will use the Royal Navy's standards and prices as a reference."

"I promise, my supplies will only be cheaper, never more expensive."

"Otherwise, I am willing to compensate you at ten times the cost!"

The Royal Navy's supply prices were already two to three times the market price, so there was still ample profit margin.