Stronglight crank arms were marked with thread spec on the back side. "14 x 125" is metric (aka "French") thread; 9/16 x 20F is English. Unless you are the original owner, it is possible that a metric-marked arm has been re-tapped to English thread.[/QUOTE]

Ah! Well that solves it then. These are metric. 14x125 stamped on them. The Japanese pedals I have just barely begin to go in and then stop, as expected.

Thank you! Hopefully the pedals on the above A08 are French and work out for me...