🧵French FM & DM on being excluded on US/UK/Australia deal and having sub deal replaced: “The American choice to exclude a European ally and partner such as France from a structuring partnership with Australia, at a time when we are facing unprecedented challenges 
“in the Indo-Pacific region, whether in terms of our values or in terms of respect for multilateralism based on the rule of law, shows a lack of coherence that France can only note and regret.”
“As the only European nation present in the Indo-Pacific with nearly 2MN citizens & more than 7,000 military personnel, France is a reliable partner that will continue to fulfill its commitments, as it has always done….
“The regrettable decision that has just been announced regarding the FSP program only reinforces the need to make the issue of European strategic autonomy loud and clear…”
My understanding is that the US did not consult the French on the US/UK/Australia partnership decision.
And my understanding is that, within the US government, the preparation for it was very closely held.
And my understanding is that, within the US government, the preparation for it was very closely held.
Was there a way US could have pursued this partnership without alienating other allies, like France? Did they have to be blindsided? was it an oversight? was it so closely hold that nobody thought what about notifying our European allies? or decided against it?
My understanding is the project was spearheaded by Kurt Campbell, and was very closely held within the admin. Not sure how much Europe hands were consulted.
also not sure how sensitivities over post-EU UK foreign policy factored into the secrecy
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