I thought punishing the frenchman was a euphemism for...
"I have heard your thoughts and you both wished to possess the lamp. That is your first wish and it is granted. You will now each have one remaining wish."
The Frenchman spoke up immediately "I wish for a 10 mile tall wall to be built around my beloved France to keep out the filthy Americans."
Immediately there was such a wall completely surrounding France. The American, not to be out done, made his wish; "Fill it with sea water"