He was suspicious of Sarrail and Briand, and keen to keep them at arm's length, instead encouraging closer links with the British. In October 1916 Leblois replaced Cordonnier in command of the French troops. By mid-November the (Venizelist) Greek National Army was 23,000 strong.
He was distrustful of Sarrail and Briand, choosing to keep them at arm's length, while promoting closer relationships with the British. In October 1916, Leblois took over command from Cordonnier in the French forces. By mid-November, the Greek National Army under Venizelist leadership had grown to 23,000 soldiers.