who was the french leader the diplomats were trying to meet with
XYZ Affair An American diplomatic commission was sent to France in July 1797 to negotiate problems that were threatening to break out into war. The diplomats, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry, were approached through informal channels by agents of the French Foreign Minister Talleyrand, who demanded bribes and a loan before formal negotiations could begin. Although such demands were not uncommon in mainland European diplomacy of the time, the Americans were offended by them, and eventually left France without ever engaging in formal negotiations. Gerry, seeking to avoid all-out war, remained for several months after the other two commissioners left. His exchanges with Talleyrand laid groundwork for the eventual end to diplomatic and military hostilities.
Politics of France The government is led by the Prime Minister, and is made up of junior and senior ministers.[7] It has at its disposal the civil service, government agencies, and the armed forces.[8] The government is responsible to Parliament,[8] and the National Assembly may pass a motion of censure,[9] forcing the resignation of the government. This, in practice, forces the government to be from the same political party or coalition as the majority in the Assembly. Ministers have to answer questions from members of Parliament, both written and oral; this is known as the questions au gouvernement (questions to the government).[10] In addition, ministers attend meetings of the houses of Parliament when laws pertaining to their areas of responsibility are being discussed.