The Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Waller (SSG 75), a Collins-class diesel-electric submarine, is seen in Sydney Harbour on November 2, 2016. PETER PARKS/AFP
* French fury towards the US and other allies has taken many in Washington by surprise.
* France is furious after Australia canceled a lucrative submarine contract with a French firm.
* Biden aides are said to believe Paris overreacted and will resume normal relations.
The level of French fury towards the US and Australia over a canceled submarine contract has surprised officials in Washington.
France recalled its ambassadors to both countries and accused the two powers of "lying" to its officials, a dramatic and public rebuke to nations is generally treats as close allies.
"There has been lying, duplicity, a major breach of trust and contempt.
This will not do," French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told France 2 on Saturday.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The U.S. and the U.K. are trying to repair the relationship .... U.S. and UK attempt to smooth tensions as France calls submarine snub a ‘crisis’ (CNBC).
But France has a different agenda .... France seeks European support after submarine deal surprise (France 24). More here .... Aukus: France pulls out of UK defence talks amid row (BBC).
Unfortunately for France, it is not working .... France vents over submarines but alone on world stage (France 24).
5 comments:
The Australian Nuclear Sub Decision as I Saw It Eight Years Ago
Fernandez explains why the French subs were not a good fit. The did not have the legs needed nor the power. That is on top of not being bristling with weapons.
The Aussies broke the contract. However, Australia could say the French broke the contract, because they missed deadlines. The further along you are toward completion the harder it is to break a contract. Maybe the French should have gotten further along? But what defense project does not have overruns in time or money? They usually do.
I still think the American should have bought some of the French subs for use in the Caribbean. I also think the subs would be good operating between Indonesia and the Australia. Might have to reach deeper into our pockets, but on the flip side, the French would owe us.
Maybe now they have an idea how Britian felt in 1940.
France broke a contract with Russia for 2 Mistral ....when the boats was finished!
France has an hyper egomaniac President who doesn't care about the contract but it's all for his self feeling.
Jac,
I could care less about Macron. What I care about is the French Military and the 40% to 70% of French people, who are decent.
US needs a way to bring France back into the fold. This was so mishandled. Can we trust US diplomacy anymore?
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