The above Plan is attended with considerable risk, inasmuch as
convulsions in Egypt, and on the shores of the Red Sea about Suez and
Mocha, and war in the Mediterranean, might cut off altogether (p. 073)
the communications with the whole Eastern World, according to the
route which has been laid down. To prevent such a result is an object
of great importance, providing it can be effected without a serious
sacrifice as to time, or expenditure of money. To have such vitally
important communications as free from being disturbed by the march of
war as possible, is not only desirable, but indispensable, on the part
of Great Britain. This may be effected by going out by the Cape of
Good Hope.
Adopting this route would connect all the Eastern transmarine
possessions of Great Britain in one chain, with scarcely a link in the
line of communication being dependent upon foreigners, except one or
two, which the naval power of Great Britain could always command and
control in case of emergency. The course here alluded to would
lengthen the course of post to Bombay and Calcutta, &c. to a
considerable extent; but in every part of the proposed new line, coals
could always be procured more cheap and readily than in any quarter
near the Red Sea. The following details, however, will place the time
and expense in a clear point of view, and enable any one to contrast
at a glance the two routes, and the difference which in time and
expenditure will exist and remain between them.