The return of French Ambassador Jean-Pierre Thebault to Canberra will be welcomed by the Australian government.
But no one should think we are not still in deep ‘merde’, as far as France is concerned.
Paris’s humiliation at Australia’s decision to cancel its submarine contract with France’s Naval Group is deep and scarring.
It is making clear, publicly and privately, that deep soul-searching is required on Australia’s behalf.
The United States has moved swiftly to make amends for its offence in doing the AUKUS deal with Australia behind France’s back, with US diplomat John Kerry even suggesting Joe Biden was not “fully aware” of the negative impact the decision would have on Franco-American relations.
Australia cannot offer any genuine sign of contrition for a decision that was 18 months in the planning, and required extreme secrecy – indeed, deception – to prevent it falling apart.
Scott Morrison has rightly declared his first responsibility as Prime Minister is to put Australia’s national security first.
But such language compounds the insult to French honour.
France has conveyed to Australia that healing the rift between the countries is “beyond apology”, and that “everything must be considered” in reassessing the relationship between the countries.
That frostiness has already, inevitably, spread to Europe, with the EU temporarily suspending free trade talks with Australia.
Ambassador Thebault will carry France’s anger back to Australia with him when he returns.
He is set to eschew talks with the federal government in favour of building relations with the states and business leaders.
Thebault will emphasise France’s close relationship with the Australian people, but will not hold back in criticising the Morrison government’s “breach of trust”.
Like a spurned lover, France’s hurt and suspicion will be long lasting.
Australia cannot undo what has been done, necessarily, for its national security.
It will take time – perhaps years – for trust to be restored.
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