I am fortunate enough to have come into possession of a short film in which Rodolphe Ernst-Metzmaier discusses the above. The important parts translate as follows:
"After Estienne's visit (to the Renault factory) we were instructed to draw up eleven drafts (of plans for Tanks), which we did. The eleventh became precisely this small Tank. The other ten were to please Colonel Estienne, who favoured heavier Tanks.
The Army was reasonably pleased with this Number Eleven. I was given three months to produce the prototype. In the event it took me four."
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"Sometimes things that are not true are included in Wikipedia. While at first glance that may appear like a very great problem for Wikipedia, in reality is it not. In fact, it's a good thing." - Wikipedia.
