| Description | The President and Council of the Royal Geographical Society are not prepared to make the suggested agreement whereby His Majesty's Government would have first charge, or any charge on the proceeds of the scale of the 'Discovery' in payment for assistance granted. The Government will give any moderate assistance that may be required, without repayment for getting the 'Discovery' ready for the return to voyage.
Most important is the permission to coal at the Falkland Islands from the Admiralty store. If this is not granted, another arrangement must be made without delay. The relief ships will have a much larger quantity of provisions than they will want for their voyages home. The work of refitting at Lyttelton can be arranged more economically by the Societies than by the Government. A request could be made to the Admiralty to give assistance if applied for.
With respect to the funds necessary to ensure the 'Discovery' returns home, a resolution has been passed by the Royal Geographical Society which has been disclosed within this letter. The legal effect of this arrangement entail that the sums thus drawn become a first charge against the 'Discovery'. The ship will be ensured for at least the sum advanced.
The transaction of the business through the Joint Finance Committee means that the joint character of the arrangement will be maintained. The President and Council therefore feel confident that it will receive the assent of the President and Council of the Royal Society, and that the drafts again submitted to them will be approved. The President of the Royal Geographical Society is prepared to sign the letter as altered.
The letter enclosed states that the Society's Bankers are authorised to write to their representatives at Lyttelton placing £500 at the disposal of the 'Discovery'. A further sum £2500 will be arranged by telegraph. Whether the vessel returns or not, the Royal Geographical Society is not responsible for advances required by the 'Morning'. |