| Reference number | NLB/21/688 |
| Alternative reference number | NLB/21 p434-435 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Office |
| Date | 9 January 1901 |
| Description | Under the direction of the Royal Society and Royal Astronomical Society, expeditions will be sent to Sumatra to observe the total solar eclipse on 18 May. The observers are to be stationed at or near Padang and a point on the east coast or one of the neighboring islands, to be reached by a party from Singapore. The President and Council hope that the Lords of Admiralty will assist with transport by means of one of Her Majesty's vessels.
Leave should be obtained from the Netherlands Government for the observers and probably some crew to pass between ship and shore and to erect temporary structures. It would also be advantageous if instruments and equipment were allowed to be landed free of customs duty.
Professor H H Turner FRS and H F Newall will go to the neighborhood of Padang and another party of two or three will observe from the east coast of Sumatra.
Hopes the Government will be willing to take steps to secure these privileges as it has done on former occasions. Asks if Government will ascertain if the local authorities at the respective sites would render assistance by assuring the expeditions are free from all molestations and other hindrances. |
| Extent | 2p |
| Format | Carbon |
| Physical description | Typescript |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |