On a similar note:

A U. S. Navy Admiral was attending a Naval conference that included admirals
that were from the U. S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies.
At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a group of
half-dozen or so officers that included personnel from most of the
countries.

Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a
French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many
languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked: "Why is it that we
always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking
French?"

Without hesitating the American Admiral replied: "Maybe it's because the
Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to
speak German."