Morrison yet to discuss submarines contract with Macron

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday it would take "further time" to work out a rift with France over an Indo-Pacific defence deal that cost the French a submarine contract worth billions. Morrison commented on a call that took place Wednesday between French President Emmanuel Macron and President Joe Biden aimed at smoothing things over after the French fiercely objected when the U.S., Australia and Britain announced the new deal last week.

In the half-hour call, France agreed to send its ambassador back to Washington, having last week recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia to protest what the French said amounted to a stab in the back by allies. The two leaders also agreed to meet next month to discuss the way forward.

As part of the defence pact, Australia will cancel a multibillion-dollar contract to buy diesel-electric French submarines and acquire U.S. nuclear-powered vessels instead. Morrison acknowledged there was still repair work to be done. No decision has been made about the French ambassador to Australia, the Elysee said, adding that no phone call with Morrison was scheduled.