Australia - October 8, 2018 – Reuters - The French envoy to Canberra will not inform the United States and Britain of its top secret talks with France about how they can build nuclear submarines is childish.
Australia walked away from a $40 billion deal with France's Naval Group to build a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines last month and will instead build at least eight conventional submarines using U.S. and British technology after striking a security partnership with these two countries.
The cancellation angered France, accused Australia and the United States of stabbing it in the back with discussions held without informing them.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he raised concerns with Paris about the troubled naval agreement, but could not reveal discussions with the United States until that strategic partnership had been agreed.
A French ambassador to Australia, Jean-Pierre Thebault recalled last month, said France was a close security partner of the United States, Australia and Britain and could be trusted with such information.
It s childish to say that it was impossible to consult France, Antony Blinken told ABC radio on Friday, adding that U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State had said the matter could have been handled better.
Things really should have been done differently. There should have been consultations. Thebault will soon return to Canberra where he said he would test Canberra's resolve to repair ties.
A representative for Australia's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.