American Admiral (Don't know how true it is, but it sounds right)

An officer in the U.S. Naval reserve was attending a conference that
included admirals from both the U.S. Navy and the French Navy. At a
cocktail reception, he found himself in a small group that included
personnel from both navies.

The French admiral started complaining that whereas Europeans learned
many languages, Americans learned only English. He then asked "Why is it
that we have to speak English in these conferences rather than you speak
French?"

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

The group became silent.