File on the British opposition

In June 1855, Ferdinand de Lesseps meets British Prime Minister Lord Palmerston, who tells him of his reservations concerning the project for the opening of the Suez isthmus: « I have no hesitation in pointing out my misgivings to you; first and foremost, I am worried in case Great Britain's commercial and maritime relations are disrupted by the opening of a new route which, by being accessible to shipping from all countries, will strip us of the advantages that we currently hold. I must confess to you also that I fear the uncertainty of the future, as far as France is concerned, as, like every statesman, I have to weigh up contingencies for the worst-case scenario. Of course, we have complete confidence in the good faith and honesty of the Emperor, but after he has gone, the situation might change. »

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