Jimmy Carter actually said...

I have learned more and more as a President the somewhat unique nature of France, to honor the friendship that ties them with us as an ally.

We've never raised arms against France.

Of all the developed nations in the world, France devotes a larger portion of their gross national product to foreign aid than any other.

And I believe that it's accurate to say that both nations are benefited by a relationship that is intimate, close, permanent, and valuable.