The correct answer is D) The U.S refusal to pay for treaty discussions with France.
This was a reference a Federalist slogan that meant that Americans would spend millions to defend their country, but they would never spend a dime on discussions with France. This happened during the XYZ Affair in 1798-1798 between America and France. After that the French government reversed their demands and John Adams forged the Treaty of Mortefontaine to restore peace.