Britain's merchant fleet supplied information about where trade travelled and which positions mattered to its protection. The proposal uses that knowledge to identify places where assistance to independent states or investment by British companies could prepare useful facilities. Crete is suggested as a position that could support Malta, although the example explicitly acknowledges some hindsight. Around Singapore, nearby islands and Sumatra offer possible defensive depth for incoming convoys if the base comes under siege. Commercial land ownership, facilities, and small railways could support this preparation while retaining a civilian purpose.
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Crete and Singapore's approaches as defensive depth
Trade knowledge and investment in nearby islands could help Britain prepare alternative positions around Malta and Singapore.