Introducing diesel propulsion through new small warships

How should a navy with oil and overseas range requirements move from no diesels to diesel service in 1916?

Fund development and introduce diesels through new designs, beginning with smaller vessels such as sloops or avisos.

The scenario concerns a navy in 1916 with plentiful oil, overseas commitments, and a need for range. The proposed approach is to fund diesel research and development while making diesel machinery part of successive new designs. Existing ships would retain their machinery. Smaller ships, including sloops and avisos, are suggested as the quickest starting point for introducing the technology into service.