[RobFromGa]

THEN: At the end of the briefing, Acheson said to de Gaulle, "I would now like to show you the evidence, the photographs that we have of Soviet missiles armed with nuclear weapons." The French president responded, "I do not wish to see the photographs. The word of the president of the United States is good enough for me. Please tell him that France stands with America."

NOW: At the end of the briefing, Powell said to Chirac, "I would now like to show you the evidence, the photographs that we have of Iraqi WMDs." The French president responded, "I do not wish to see the photographs. The overwhelming evidence of the president of the United States is not good enough for me. Please tell him that France stands against America. We prefer to cast our lot with Saddam."

[pacpam]

Chirac would have told Powell, I do not need to see them since we provided them and we will not let you destroy them.