Paris
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.
See more stories on Insider’s business page. 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.
It came after he called the ambassadors to France and Australia back to Paris at the request of French President Emmanuel Macron – one of the most severe diplomatic snubs possible.
France had never recalled its Australian or US ambassadors before, Le Drian said. The move “shows the magnitude of the crisis that exists now between our countries,” he concluded.
The UK, which he called a “third wheel” in the situation, did not see an ambassador recalled.—Agencies
