At a conference that included admirals from many allied countries, there was a cocktail reception where there was a small group talking that included an admiral from the US Navy and an admiral from the French Navy.

The French admiral started complaining that whereas Europeans learned many languages, Americans only learn English.

He then asked, "Why is it that we have to speak English in these conferences rather than you having to speak French?"

The American admiral replied,"Maybe it is because we arranged it so you did not have to speak German."

The group was silent.