A signal from Cradock was received by Churchill on 27 October, advising the Admiralty of his intention to leave "Canopus" behind because of her slow speed and, as previously instructed, to take his remaining ships in search of Spee. He re-stated that he was still expecting reinforcements in the form of "Defence", which he had previously been told was coming and that he had given orders for her to follow him as soon as possible. Although "Defence" had once been sent to reinforce Cradock, it had then been recalled part way, returned to the Mediterranean and then been sent again to form part of a new squadron patrolling the eastern coast of South America. A misunderstanding had arisen between Cradock and the Admiralty over how ships were to be assigned and used. Cradock believed he was expected to advance against Spee with those forces he had, whereas the Admiralty expected him to exercise caution, using "Canopus" for defence and merely to scout for the enemy or take advantage of any situation where he might come across part of the enemy force. Churchill replied to the signal, telling Cradock that "Defence" was to remain on the east coast and that Cradock was considered to have sufficient forces for his task, making no comment about his plan to abandon "Canopus". Churchill had passed on the message to the Admiralty staff, saying he did not properly understand what Cradock intended.