The cancellation by Australia of the "contract of the century" - in the amount of 56 billion euros, relating to the order of twelve French submarines to Naval Group - for the benefit of the Americans and the British continues to ignite relations between France and its two allies.
And especially the United States.
After the immediate recall of our two ambassadors in Washington and Canberra, after the discontent expressed sharply, Saturday evening on France 2, by Jean-Yves Le Drian, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, it is the turn of the Elysee to seize of this sensitive issue.
Emmanuel Macron thus decided to speak by telephone with Joe Biden, the American president.
"This interview will take place in the coming days", we are confirmed at the Elysee.
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Is the objective of this conversation to relieve the pressure and restore a certain calm between the two countries, especially after the very harsh remarks made by Jean-Yves Le Drian?
"We have recalled our ambassadors to try to understand and to show our former partner countries that we have very strong discontent, that there is really a serious crisis between us," insisted the minister.
The French ambassador soon received by Macron
This measure “is very symbolic.
There has been a lie, there has been duplicity, there has been a major breach of trust, there has been contempt so things are not going well between us, ”the Minister of Foreign Affairs had further justified.
"It is not a question of appeasement," says one at the Elysee.
President Macron will notify President Biden that he is awaiting clarification.
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According to strategic sources close to Macronie, the president would also intend to remind his American counterpart of the ambitions of France and the European Union, in the Indo-Pacific zone, at the heart of this crisis between Allies, facing to the rising power of China in this area.
Philippe Étienne, the French Ambassador to Washington arrived in Paris this morning, will, according to the Élysée, be received in the coming days by Jean-Yves Le Drian and the Head of State.
