Some IPY-2 Histories

Abstract

Already 44 countries had agreed upon their participation in IPY-2 when the International Polar Commission met in Innsbruck in 1931 for the second time. Although the world economic crisis took its toll, the execution of the Polar Year finally was decided. Austria’s economic situation was very tight, but it was agreed that the Commission’s invitation to join the international co-operation of scientific measurements of physics of the earth would be accepted. Relating to IPY-1, Austria should occupy a station on Jan Mayen once again. Norway offered free transportation on its annual supply ship to the Norwegian radio station on Jan Mayen, established in 1921.1