The British naturally could not outbid the French, who had come prepared, but Britain had no intention of competing in any bid to begin with. What they opposed was the construction of the Suez Railway itself.
After all, Egypt was Britain's sphere of influence. This was like breaking ground over the Grand Tutor's head. Yet Britain's so-called sphere of influence was merely its own notion; it had never been recognized by the international community.
As for Egypt, after losing both Muhammad Ali and Ibrahim, it had become utterly fragmented. Abbas I simply lacked the courage to confront the great powers.
The Egyptian government had effectively become a tool through which the great powers ruled Egypt. As for the Egyptians themselves, their spirit of resistance was exceedingly weak. They did not dare resist foreign rulers, much less the great powers.
Abbas I understood his own position as well, so in order to preserve his status, he would go to every conceivable length to curry favor with the great powers.
Britain was certainly terrifying, but the great powers around Egypt were even more terrifying.
And so, amid Britain's protests, the Suez Railway project was set in motion. John Russell did not know what to do.
Though France's status had been declining, it was still Britain's only ally on the European continent who could be of any use at this time. They could hardly expect Portugal to fight the European great powers, could they?
Within the British Parliament, voices clamoring for blood filled the halls. Many MPs loudly demanded that more troops be sent to Egypt and war be declared on France. John Russell rubbed his forehead. Land warfare was not Britain's strength, especially against France's elite army, the finest in Europe.
Besides, France was a Mediterranean country and far closer to Egypt.