| Reference number | NLB/9/743 |
| Alternative reference number | NLB/9 p372-376 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to the Secretary, The Admiralty |
| Date | 9 July 1894 |
| Description | Foster states that some time ago the Royal Geographical Society, through its President, made a communication to the President and Council of the Royal Society requesting that they consider the desirability of an expedition to explore Antarctic Regions. The matter was referred to a Committee of Fellows of the Royal Society who were qualified to form a judgement on the subject. This Committee has made a report to the President and Council, a copy of which Foster encloses alongside a memorandum.
The Committee restricted itself to consideration of the scientific results which may be expected to be gained such an expedition, and so beyond pointing out the present favourable condition of the ice in these regions, they do not touch on whether it is the Royal Society's duty to press the Government for immediate undertaking of the expedition.
While acknowledging the importance of the Committee's opinions, the President and Council feel that any proposals for Antarctic exploration encounter serious difficulties on financial grounds, and before they proceed further, ask if the Admiralty would be willing to receive a Royal Society deputation to discuss the matter. They believe this to be best way of comparing the urgency and importance of scientific need with any objections against such an attempt. Should the Admiralty agree, they will arrange the meeting for a time convenient to the Lords of the Admiralty. They further propose that these interviews should be 'strictly private' with no reporters present. |
| Extent | 5p |
| Format | Carbon |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |