Draft letter from A B [Alfred Bray] Kempe, The Royal Society, Burlington house, to [Cyril] Longhurst Kempe has discussed the resolution of the Executive Committee of the National Antarctic Expedition with [Edward Lygon Somers] Cocks. Since W E [William Edward] Smith's claim exceeds £400 it ought to be approved by the Joint Committee. However in this case the Committee has already approved the plans for the ship and to avoid delay the cheque could be written upon receipt of approval from Chairman of the Executive Committee. Once signed, this should be brought before the next Joint Committee meeting for their approval. [30 March 1900]