The three-way pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States to build four new submarines, nuclear propelled but not nuclear armed, for delivery in about four years’ time for the Australian Navy, may or may not alter the strategic balance in Southeast Asia and the South Seas. Time will tell.
But the deal certainly takes first prize for diplomatic ineptitude and the creation of bad feelings all round.
France is furious that its plan to supply the four vessels, already far advanced, has been swept aside by the new pact. Ambassadors have been recalled from both Washington and Canberra.