1-150-917 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'A Mutual Understanding', 1883. The British Lion, clutching a bag of money, is seen negotiating with the foxy M de Lesseps. This relates to an ongoing discussion concerning the Suez Canal. It had been proposed that a second canal be constructed. France opposed this suggestion. However, it was eventually agreed that a second canal would be constructed on receipt of a loan of £8,000,000 from Britain. However, there was a continuing concern that the French were continuing to control the operation of the vital Suez link. From Punch, or the London Charivari, July 21, 1883.