The Telegraph says Jacques Chirac is planning to do his best to embarrass George Bush at the upcoming G8 conference in Evian.

The summit at Evian on June 2 and June 3 will be the first time M Chirac and Mr Bush have met since their diplomatic war preceding military action in Iraq. However, M Chirac, as the host, is arranging the meeting on his terms.

He made clear yesterday that, despite the debacle over Iraq, he is clinging to his vision of a global balance of powers, with France as an alternative to America.

He said Evian’s main goal would be “to build the institutions and rules of a global democracy, open and interconnected”, a swipe at the American administration, which has little patience for such rhetoric.

The main themes of the summit would be reviving the world economy, solidarity with poor countries, responding to pandemics such as Aids, climate change and finally the fight against terrorism.

The White House would have preferred the fight against terrorism to head the list, but M Chirac is loath to let the summit become a victory lap for Mr Bush.

M Chirac said the summit was a chance for “nations to show that they can and want to get along, to act together in the service of mankind”. He believes many countries are suspicious of America’s leadership and prefer France’s emphasis on international rules and institutions.

Pfaw! I expectorate on your petty, simplistic “leadership,” unsophisticated cowboy! Give me “emphasis” or give me Gruyere!