Courtesy in Foreign Politics dead?

Question

German heads of government recently expressed their displeasure about having to read about France's and US weapons deals and the appointment of Tony Blair as Middle East envoy in the newspaper. Should they have been given advanced notice?

Answer 1

Courtesy in every field is dead.

Answer 2

No. Otherwise the US would have to inform as many as 50 nations before doing something and nothing would get done because we would be too busy giving coutesy calls. Limit the calls to the affected nations.