This is an explanation which should add even more to the French annoyance.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday (September 19th) that the French government knew Canberra had "deep and serious reservations" about French submarines, before the purchase agreement was severed last week.

Scott Morrison said he understood the "disappointment" of the French government, but added that he raised the issues with the deal "a few months ago" like other ministers in the Australian government.

"I think they would have had every reason to know that we had deep and serious reservations that the capabilities of the Attack-class submarine did not meet our strategic interests and we had made it clear that we would take a decision based on our national strategic interest, "he told a press conference in Sydney.

>> To read: Submarines: Australia says it has warned France of a possible cancellation of the order

Scott Morrison said it would have been "negligent" to go ahead with the contract despite advice from Australia's Defense and Intelligence Services, who felt it would run counter to the strategic interests of the United States. Australia.

"I don't regret the decision to put Australia's national interest first. I will never regret it," he said.

The nuclear fuel problem

Speaking to Sky News Australia earlier Sunday, Defense Minister Peter Dutton said his government had been "outspoken, open and honest" with France over concerns over the deal, which has gone beyond budget and years behind.

The minister said he understood the "annoyance of the French", but that "the suggestions that the Australian government has not reported its concerns defy, frankly, what is on the public record and certainly what has been said publicly for a long time. long period".

France is furious at Australia's decision to withdraw from a 90 billion Australian dollars (56 billion euros) contract for the purchase of French submarines in favor of US nuclear-powered ships.

She recalled her ambassadors in Canberra and Washington and accused her allies of "lying" about their plans.

>> To read: The Australian submarine affair torpedoes relations between Paris and Washington

Peter Dutton said he personally expressed these concerns to his French counterpart, Florence Parly, and stressed the "need for Australia to act in its national interest", which he said is to acquire the powered submarines. nuclear.

According to Peter Dutton, Canberra was unable to buy French nuclear-powered ships, due to maintenance operations that must take place every ten years, which include a reloading of nuclear fuel, which is not the case of the American submarines and justifies the choice of the latter, whereas Australia does not have any nuclear power station.

With AFP

The summary of the week

France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 application

google-play-badge_FR