‘Historical development. “Friend!” “Good friend!” “Best friend!” “Very best friend!” “Dear very best friend!” “Only dear very best friend!” “Maybe we should get down to specifics…” “Our friendship doesn’t go that far!”’ On 9 February 1963, German cartoonist Horst Haitzinger paints an ironic picture of the good relations between French President Charles de Gaulle and Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer. When the German partner tries to address specific issues, President de Gaulle digs in his heels and refuses to budge.