Coming less than a week after the collapse of discussions on further trade liberalisation amid mutual recriminations, those who doubt the true value of certain states' commitment to free trade had cause to cheer.

A report on Israeli radio stated that the US Secretary of State, in town to further peace talks with the Palestinians, had indicated the US was unhappy with plans by the state-owned airline El Al to buy aircraft and/or engines from Europe rather than the US.

If El Al abandoned Boeing and US engine-makers, the US administration would find it hard to ask Congress to approve funds to continue the $3 billion (€3 billion) in US military and civilian aid Israel receives each year.

So much for the level playing field of free trade . . .