The Pentagon on Friday dismissed suggestions of protectionism in a massive contract for aerial refuelling tankers and said US officials "value the contribution" of the European defense industry. Ashton Carter, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, spoke after French President Nicolas Sarkozy, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and others made harsh comments about bidding rules for the ...

The French and British leaders accused the U.S. of protectionism on Friday over a contract to build a new Air Force refueling tanker. A European-led consortium pulled out of bidding this week for the $35 billion contract, saying the Pentagon was favoring rival American bidder Boeing. "This ...

French President Nicolas Sarkozy showered praise on British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Friday weeks before a general election here, but rebuked Brown's main rival over his policy in Europe. After talks in London, Sarkozy described Brown as a "great reformer" and someone who was "willing to get things moving". The centre-right president said that although Brown was from the ...