h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

What was "The French Problem" and what did the US Government successfully censor because of it?

No googling or wikipedia allowed.

There are klaxons, so be bold, preferably interesting but never obvious. (I really mean it! )

Something involving condoms?

I ask because they're also called "Pariser" - Parisians - in German.

First catch of the day!

"condoms."

Was it anything to do with the Dreyfuss affair? The Americans didn't want anything to do with it because it was part of a coming war they wanted no part in.

Ah an intelligent thought, but no.

Aaargh!

I can't see how the French could pose any problem anywhere

Your only klaxon this year according to the scoreboard.

The first is always the worst, they get successively easier after that.

Speak to Taff, I gather he's putting together a support group.

Oh no, they were definitely up to no good.

Was it long ago, like late 18th century?

(To paraphrase Obi Wan Kenobi)

.... from a certain point of view.

Not that long ago. I did include the date originally in my question, but figured that made it too easy and you'd enjoy the challenge of guessing,

Beginning of 20th Century?

Closer.

Around Nixon's time?

*consults list of american presidents terms of office*

Too Close

Has it got anything to do with French spy satellites? I remember (or at least think I remember) reading that French optical technology was, for a time, the best in the world and their spy satellites were far superior to anything the Americans had.

Since France backed out of NATO under De Gaulle, they weren't felt to be trustworthy allies and the Americans were worried about extra-terrestrial French espionage (that is *so* going to be the name of my band) and banned the publication of the French 'look what we can do' pictures?

I'm just trying to describe a date without triggering off a klaxon

*consults list of american presidents terms of office*

In the 50's ?

>>Has it got anything to do with French spy satellites?<<

No.

But you're getting close

I've not klaxoned the date.

I'm not that mean.

I just figured I was making it too easy serving it up pro bono

Don't hold fire - guess away!

Not the 50s