What was that, Jim, that you see me as having 'blamed' them for which was 'beyond their control'? I don't recall "blaming the French" for anything. You have lost me, I'm afraid.

Still, this is one of those cross-purposes conversations that could run'n'run, I suspect. So only reply if you genuinely can clarify this point by which I am exercised, as to what you perceive me 'blaming' the French for.

≈M≈