WEEKLY GAVROCHE – EDITORIAL: What if the Australians had made the right choice for their submarines?
In terms of defense, are we going to confuse strategic interests with commercial contracts? We have to admit it, even if it hurts our patriotic streak: if the Australian decision to give up the twelve French submarines is an indisputable commercial “blow in the back”, its military arguments are solid.
As soon as it intends to adopt a more offensive position vis-à-vis China, the large Pacific island needs solid allies and only the United States can make a difference in this area.
Let us therefore avoid mixing our flouted national feeling and our tricolor flag waved with each new arms export: France, a middle power, may be playing with this Australian contract in a division too greater than its capacities. To recognize this is in no way a betrayal. It is the force of facts.
Take offense, not be surprised
The other reality is that of the French overseas territories in Asia Pacific. their protection requires strong allies here too, and it is difficult to see how this could be done without resorting to the American maritime umbrella.
Gavroche is really not militarist, but let us have the courage to admit it: Australia has understood that its strategic needs carried it more towards the United States, this crucial ally since the tragic years of the war in the Pacific against Japan. We can be offended. But certainly not to be surprised.
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