He replies, "Yes, although I think that I might want to let you explain that the Queen instead of me, she will still see that many foreign troops as too much. Quite frankly, I am comfortable with that large a force given that we will be using former rebels with the canal police force. Them knowing that there are that many British troops nearby who can be called upon if necessary will help to keep the police force in line.
As for the lease, make sure there are no clauses that could be misinterpreted as automatic renewal, and it should specify an exact date to begin renegotiating extensions beyond the ten year point, I would suggest either 6, 9 or 12 months before the expiration. If that date is not spelled out the British will just let that ten-year point come and go while continuing to stay until forced out.
The other detail that needs specified is longer berthing periods in the event of repairs. Clearly if their fleet comes into port with battle damage they would be allowed to stay until made seaworthy. But if we don't get specific
they'll just keep adding more ships by never completing all of the repairs on any of them."