| Description | William Huggins reviews the previous correspondence between the Senior Secretary, the Treasurer and H.M. Government.
When it became clear that it was not possible to provide funds for two ships, the expedition had to be carried out by means of a single ship. The Royal Society instructed that the Commander should not winter in the Antarctic regions. The Royal Geographical Society were of the opinion that adequate geographical exploration could not be carried out if the Commander were forbidden to winter. A rupture between the two societies seemed imminent. The disagreements were left in the hands of a small committee of six. This committee decided that the Commander should decide whether or not to winter in the Antlantic.
A copy of the instructions for the Commander and enclosed. Within this, there is no mention of a relief ship. The instructions to Captain Scott to return in the spring were peremptory. The Royal Society have found it very difficult to work in concert with another society in the absence of clear aims. |