Because of the reported strains in the official relationship between the French and American governments, JUST FRANCE has made special efforts to query our friends and associates in France - some of them Americans, others French citizens - as to whether French people are exhibiting hostility toward American visitors.

The uniform response to our queries, prepared as four of our staff members are finalizing plans to visit France in the next several weeks, is this:

Despite the reported differences between the official French and American positions on a possible war with Iraq, there is no manifestation of hostility in Paris or other parts of France toward Americans. Our friends and associates in France point out that the French people understand that it is the current government in Washington that is pressing for war, and that while American citizens may agree or disagree with their government's position, the individual citizen is not responsible for that policy, and therefore should not be treated with disrespect.

We have heard no reports from returning clients about hostility toward Americans. We further note that in the extensive news coverage about supposed anti-Americanism in Europe there has not been one example of an American being treated badly on the street or in a restaurant or other public place.

Our conclusion is that while ordinary French citizens would not decline to engage a willing American in a lively debate over United States policy toward Iraq, there are no signs that the French bear individual Americans any ill will. The French continue to be mindful of their debt toward the United States for its role in the world wars, and of common values the countries have shared about government and human rights for more than 200 years.

Most important, French people also understand that Americans who have made the decision to travel to France have done so because at some level they appreciate French culture. It would be unthinkable to ordinary French citizens to be discourteous toward someone who appreciates their country and respects their culture.

On this subject, you may find of interest an article on page one of the February 19 edition of the New York Times ("Americans Abroad Cope with Anger at U.S.") concerning how U. S. citizens abroad assessed the "anti-Americanism" reported in the media.

Taking the pulse of Western Europe, the article featured the remarks of Joshua B. Kalish, who lives in Germany, where there is substantial opposition to the Bush administration's Iraq policy. Mr. Kalish stated his belief that "most Germans made a point of distinguishing between the United States government, about which they are often sharply critical, and its people, to whom they remain generally friendly."

The Times further quoted Mr. Kalish as saying, "'I've seen no evidence of a backlash... You can walk on the streets of Frankfurt and you can count more than 10 New York Yankee wool caps on the way to work.'"

We understand why people contemplating a trip to France would be concerned about reports of anti-Americanism in Europe. Despite the official strains between governments we are confident that Americans will continue to feel welcome in France, and we hope that our response on this issue has been helpful.