U.S. Company (USC) owned a subsidiary in France that had a contract to deliver compressors for use in the Soviet natural gas pipeline then under construction. The U.S. government banned the export of...

U.S. Company (USC) owned a subsidiary in France that had a contract to deliver compressors for use in the Soviet natural gas pipeline then under construction. The U.S. government banned the export of goods to the Soviet Union by U.S. companies or U.S.-controlled foreign companies, and USC complied with the ban by ordering its French subsidiary to stop delivery of the compressors. The French government, however, ordered delivery. USC delivered the compressors. The U.S. government thereupon instituted a criminal action against USC. What is USC’s defense? Explain.