Australia says France knew of ‘grave’ submarine concerns

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says France would have known Australia had “deep and grave concerns” that a submarine fleet the French were building would not meet Australia’s needs. France accuses Australia of concealing its intentions to back out of the contract and withdrew its ambassadors from the United States and Australia over what it considers a diplomatic crisis. President Joe Biden revealed last week a new security alliance among the U.S., Australia and Britain that would deliver Australian nuclear-powered submarines instead. Morrison blamed the switch on a deteriorating strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific. He has not specifically referred to China’s massive military buildup.