Diplomatic row deepens as French ambassador Jean-Pierre Thebault outlines Scott Morrison government's 'deceit'

French envoy Jean-Pierre Thebault took the stand at a sold out press club event on Wednesday, intending to set the record straight on escalating tensions between France and Australia.

But rather than the delicate and measured language we've come to expect from decades of cosy relations and diplomacy, the experienced diplomat brought something entirely else.

"Deceit", a "stab in the back" and an " unprecedented new low" were some of the ways Mr Thebault described the Australian government's handling of the submarine deal fallout.

A $90 billion deal in tatters would be enough ammunition for most governments but additional charges have been added to Prime Minister Scott Morrison's rap sheet since September's AUKUS announcement.

French President Emmanuel Macron accused Mr Morrison of lying to him earlier this week about Australia's intention to dump the deal.

Days later, private texts between the two nation leaders were allegedly leaked to Australian media outlets, suggesting Mr Macron had understood the deal was in trouble.

When asked why his office had leaked the exchanges, Mr Morrison said claims were made and claims had been refuted.

"What is needed now is for us to just get on with it," he said.

A separate leaked document revealed US President Joe Biden had likely known the French hadn't been clued in to Australia's intentions.

While backgrounding foes and fellow politicians in the halls of Parliament was common practice, it did not fly as favourably on the world stage.

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Mr Thebault warned the alleged leaks by the Prime Minister's office sent a "very worrying signal" to heads of state around the globe in his theatrical performance.

"[It says] in Australia, there will be leaks, and what you say in confidence to your partners will be eventually used and weaponised against you," he said.

Many in the room giggled at the meticulous hour-long flaying of Australia's top officials but its implications were less of a laughing matter.

Unlike the row with China, the two countries share common goals and interests. A free-trade agreement, of which France plays a big part in, is also on the table.

The ambassador wore a bleuet de France, an equivalent of the remembrance poppy, as he delivered the harsh lashing - a gesture that the history between the two was stronger than the impact of recent events.

But it will be a long path to mending relations if the bickering and backgrounding continues.

"Eating one's share of humble pie might sometimes be difficult," the ambassador said.

But someone's first got to have the appetite for it.

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