And on 31 August he calls his friend Nicolas

When he arrives in Brasilia, Sunday 6 September to 19 hours time local (midnight in Paris), Nicolas Sarkozy has only an idea in mind: get President Lula - who welcome him in person - as he announces the next day, national day, the Rafale came out first of the invitation to tender for the purchase of 36 aircraft. Relations between the two men are excellent, and the case well. Two days earlier, the head of Brazilian State suggested that the France is better placed, given the level of technology that it is ready to transfer, an element determining between French aircraft of its F-18 of Boeing, and Gripen NG of Saab competitors.

Battle of influence

The comments are encouraging, but for the uninitiated, they not completely remove the doubt. Nicolas Sarkozy and a handful of employees on the other hand, nothing surprising. Because the preceding Monday, Lula called his counterpart to know his choice. But he also indicated that he did not know if he can announce it. And that it the recall Wednesday or Thursday, following with his defence Minister, Nelson Jobim, and the Chief of staff of the air force, General Saito. Absent the day comes (it is to the Chile), the latter prevents the meeting to be held, leaving the Elysee Palace in expectation. The Brazilian President said so not Nicolas Sarkozy, which ignores so that meanwhile Boeing and Washington lobbying seriously threatening to derail everything.

Until the beginning of the summer, the match three is just yet a franco-suédois duel. From mid-July, change of atmosphere: Boeing and the Obama administration conducted the steamroller. Since his vacation, the American President calls Lula to indicate that the United States will go far in technology transfer, and that he is guarantor of the Congress, whose agreement is essential. "I will the confirm you later", he added. Meanwhile, American manufacturer and its relays begin to distill negative information on Rafale, forcing Paris to and developed by different channels.

The battle of influence continues. Knowing that Boeing has strong arguments for Embraer, Paris agrees to buy a dozen of KC390. The Brazilian, her air force continues the technical evaluation of the three aircraft. Expected end of August, his report is offset at end of October. That does not preclude Lula, at the approach of the visit of French President, is to communicate the main lines. And on 31 August, he calls his friend Nicolas...

The essential plays behind the scenes

Washington and Boeing attempt to undermine the building. A top Brazilian official presents clearly unfavourable to the Rafale to President Lula and his Minister of defence. Flight would have risen to 21,000 dollars, nearly 3 times more expensive than that of the F-18, yet more heavy. The Brazil would not get immunity for export in South America. Worse, it would pay 70 of the contract before touching the first aircraft. "We thought not that this would be far in the disinformation," explains one of the negotiators. Twine is a little big, but it is. And then, as it was committed, Obama calls Lula to confirm that the Congress is in the Pocket.

When reception starts Sunday evening at the Alvorada Palace, the malaise is real, and collaborators of Nicolas Sarkozy realize quickly. Quietly notified the head of the French State in opens to his counterpart. "Get that clear tomorrow morning", proposed by the Brazilian. "Why wait". "We can work this night", said the French President. For the Elysee, the risk is clear: do not dispose of in the heat, is departing for a tour, and - perhaps - to lose everything.

It is a little more than 20 hours. Dinner starts, but the essence will play behind the scenes. Dassault boss Charles Edesltenne, that tastes to the delicious local meat in a restaurant in the city with his collaborators, receives a phone call: "Go to 23 h 30 at the hotel."In a room of the Golden Tulip occur then Nelson Jobim, General Saito, the Brazilian Ambassador in Paris, and Marc Aurelio Garcia, diplomatic sherpa of Lula. On the French side: the Chief of staff of Sarkozy, his assistant colonel Noguier, the diplomatic Advisor of the Elysée, Jean-Daniel Levitte, Charles Edelstenne and his Deputy for international, Eric Trapier.

Up to 3 hours of the morning, without interruption of session, four or five points that pose question are clarified. At each step, a common paragraph is written in Brazilian and French. In the end, a letter repeats all the Paris commitments. Nicolas Sarkozy is awakened, the valid text and sign. Lula has a commitment to the highest level of the French State. More there is no objection to the announcement of the entry into negotiations. Remains to conclude.