A senior U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included
Admirals from the English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a
cocktail reception, he found himself discussing ships, boats, and the sea
with a large group of officers that included personnel from most of the
countries.


Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a
French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many
languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked "Why is it that we
always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking
French?"


Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied, "Maybe it's because the
Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have
to speak German."

--
John H