‘Variable-level discussion.’ On 9 February 1966, French cartoonist Pol Ferjac illustrates the difficult relationship between General de Gaulle and German Chancellor Ludwig Erhard. Erhard’s policy gives priority to his country’s relations with the United States and he is in favour of the United Kingdom’s accession to the European Economic Community, which irritates the French President. Erhard, depicted as a stout figure smoking a cigar, is sitting on a high chair so that he is at the same level as de Gaulle, who is virtually forced to sit on the ground to come face to face with his German partner.