You’re correct = the “French Cut” was the abortive attempt pushed by De Lesseps. Col Goethals did an admirable job. “Path Between The Seas” by McCullough is a terrific story of how the Canal was built and the amazing advances in malaria and yellow fever control and treatment that came out of it by people like Dr. Gorgas. My daughter was born at Gorgas Army Medical Center in the old Canal Zone.
I was stationed in the Canal Zone from 11/69 - 1/72. When I first arrived, I was assigned to the 252 Sig. Co. on Flamenco Island and was there from 11/69 till about 6/70. That was a very cool place.....
Me and my buddies would often ride our motorcycles over to the French Cut and go swimming