The Diplomat

His Majesty’s Government notes that the President will appear this evening on a respected American current affairs programme, and trusts that the exchange will be as illuminating as these occasions so often are.

We would observe, gently, that one rarely chooses which parts of an interview are broadcast. That, after all, is rather the point of a free press.

France welcomes every opportunity for a head of state to account for his record before a free press. An hour of questions on national television is a demanding exercise, and a healthy one for democracy.

We would only add, in friendship, that history tends to judge a record over decades rather than in a single broadcast, however well edited.

The Federal Council has taken note of this television interview.

In Switzerland, the President of the Confederation changes every year, which leaves little time for a two-year retrospective. Our record is set out in the Federal Council’s annual report to Parliament: several hundred pages, rarely broadcast in prime time.

His Majesty’s Government has every confidence that, where threats against citizens are reported, the appropriate authorities will look into them. It is, if we may say so, a matter best left to the police and the courts rather than to the personal post of a Head of State.

Strong language has its place in politics. We find it is usually in the second draft, shortly before it is removed.

France condemns, without reservation, any intimidation aimed at citizens because of their political commitments, wherever it comes from. In a democracy, such matters belong to independent justice, and to it alone.

We would add, with all the friendship that unites our two republics, that justice is best served when it is not asked to act “IMMEDIATELY” by the head of state himself.

The Federal Council takes seriously any threat against citizens who take part in political life. In Switzerland, such cases are reported to the police and handled by independent prosecutors, whatever the party of those involved.

We are attached to the separation of powers, and we have found that it works best when each power keeps its own letterbox.

We note with interest the President’s choice of Mr White, whose experience in managing robust exchanges of views is beyond question. The briefing room can indeed be a lively place.

We would simply observe that, in our tradition, a spokesman’s most effective defence remains the phrase “I couldn’t possibly comment.”

France has always welcomed great champions, including those who come from abroad, and we warmly congratulate Mr White.

We confess to some surprise, however. In the French tradition, a government spokesperson defends the government with words, sometimes a great many words, but rarely with a submission hold.

The Federal Council takes note of this appointment and wishes Mr White every success in his new duties.

In Switzerland, the Federal Council’s spokesperson is the Vice-Chancellor, and our press conferences rarely require more protection than a glass of water. We remain at the disposal of all parties, should they ever wish to continue the debate in a quieter setting.

His Majesty’s Government does not comment on the domestic political affairs of our closest ally, and will therefore confine itself to a general observation.

Impeachment, prosecution and imprisonment are serious matters. In our experience they are best decided by parliaments and courts respectively, and only rarely by press release.

France follows with attention, and with deep respect for American institutions, the debates currently under way in Washington.

Political confrontation is the lifeblood of democracy; independent courts are its guarantee. We trust that the Department of Justice will act with the independence that American democracy rightly expects of it.

The Federal Council does not comment on the internal politics of friendly countries.

We would only recall that in Switzerland there is no impeachment of a member of the government: Parliament simply decides, every four years, whether to re-elect them. And the people vote four times a year, which leaves very little time for threatening letters.

His Majesty’s Government notes with interest the President’s enthusiasm for super intelligence, which we share, if perhaps at a slightly lower volume.

The potential benefits for prosperity are considerable, and we look forward to working with partners who wish to realise them. We would gently observe that those who choose a different course are rarely persuaded by being called foolish. In our experience, a cup of tea and a consultation paper go further.

France welcomes the US President’s interest in artificial intelligence, a field in which French researchers and companies are among the best in the world. We share the conviction that these technologies will bring prosperity.

But France also believes that power only makes sense if it serves people. That is why, with our European partners, we stand for artificial intelligence that is both ambitious and regulated. As for those who hesitate, we do not call them foolish: we invite them to a summit in Paris, and we all come out with a joint declaration.

The Federal Council is following developments in artificial intelligence with great attention. These technologies offer real opportunities for our economy, our research and our jobs.

As is our tradition, each canton will decide for itself, and the Confederation will support those that wish to move forward. In Switzerland, we do not consider those who prefer caution to be foolish: we consider them part of the conversation. Should the question become important enough, the people will have the last word.

His Majesty’s Government notes that the President was not a candidate in these elections, and that he has nonetheless taken a close interest in their outcome.

In our experience, hypothetical elections are the most reliably won. We wish the newly elected members of Congress every success.

France has followed these midterm elections with the greatest interest: they are a moment of democratic vitality for our oldest ally.

In France, too, the Constitution limits the President to two consecutive terms. We have learned that a leader’s legacy is measured less by the elections he imagines winning than by the institutions he leaves stronger behind him.

The Federal Council takes note of these elections.

In Switzerland, the members of the Federal Council are never on a ballot: they are elected by Parliament. The people, meanwhile, vote on the issues themselves, several times a year. Landslides are rare; we find this restful.