In other words, the Portuguese cannot bear the notion of
selling Delagoa Bay or Beira. The object of our diplomacy, then, should be to arrange terms for the development of those ports which, while benefiting the Portuguese, will not offend their national and justifiable pride. It is hard for a people to have been the first to pass eastward of the Cape, and to retain no profit from that marvellous display of energy, and the British people will never attempt to put undue pressure on Portugal in a matter so dear to her. In truth there is no reason why Portugal, retaining her sovereignty, should not allow Delagoa Bay and Beira to be developed by Britain in a way that will be satisfactory to both Powers. As long as she retains her sovereign rights Portugal cannot but be immensely the gainer by the influx of British capital and British enterprise into her East African possessions.
