In some ways, Austria played the role of a troublemaker this time. Normally, this is a task that the British tend to handle.
However, the British felt guilty and worried that after selling a large number of warships, they would lack the capability to suppress challenges from other European nations.
Naval supremacy is the core, and once the Royal Navy appears weak, challengers will pounce.
Don't think that just because France is currently governed by the Pro-British Faction, they would hesitate to take over given the chance; this is also why the world's top power usually suppresses the second in line.
Historically, when the British supported the Southern Government, the ships they sold were mostly outdated; the core warships of the Royal Navy were never put on the table.
