That is so very British an approach, taking ideas from abroad and then spending blood and treasure to prove that they do not work.
http://lapsedhistorian.com/long-way-round-part-1/
Brits were and are notorious for that.
An American Pan Am Clipper flying boat that was stranded by New Zealand when the Japanese attacked took the long way back to the US via Australia, Africa, South America and finally New York City.
They spotted a Japanese submarine in the Indian Ocean and reported it to the Brits. They ignored it telling the crew they had no idea what they were talking about and that submarine sunk several ships that the British certainly needed in 42’.