translate English to French: The grim experience of the RN was a sobering example to even the most enthusiastic proponent of centralization, and it was obvious that if the navy was ever to have planes it must have full control.
La cruelle expérience apporta un exemple convaincant pour les partisans les plus enthousiastes de la centralisation et il devint évident que si la Marine devait utiliser des avions, elle devait aussi en avoir le libre contrôle.