THE ORIGIN OF THE SUEZ CANAL. 307 



Viceroy the definite results of its deliberations. But, 

 at the same time that I submitted to his Highness the 

 scientific consultations of the engineers, I deemed it 

 advisable to let him have the political consultation of 

 the Nestor of European diplomatists. 



" Please communicate to Count Walewski the opinion 

 of Prince Metternich, which I committed to writing 

 after my interview with him, and to the accuracy of 

 which he was pleased to testify." 



Opinion of Prince Metternich. 



"His Highness the Viceroy had the right to decree 

 the making of the Suez Canal. All the measures 

 taken by him merit the assent of the statesmen of 

 Europe ; but in a question of this importance, on 

 which it was to be expected that foreign policy would 

 have something to say, he was well advised in applying 

 for the ratification of the Porte. 



" The official approval of an enterprise so manifestly 

 beneficial to the interests of the Ottoman Empire, as to 

 those of all other nations, cannot fail to be given, now 

 that science has pronounced in its favour, and that 

 sufficient capital is ready to carry it out. 



"Admitting, then, that the Sultan, to begin with, 

 is with one accord with his vassal, the Viceroy will 

 place himself in a very favourable posture as regards 

 Europe, if, in order to prevent any further difficulties 

 between the friendly Powers themselves or with Egypt, 

 he asks the former to designate plenipotentiaries to 



