Following the Astrea's return to Spain, Malaspina produces, in partnership with José de Bustamante, a proposal for an expedition along the lines set out in Higgins' memorandum.

A short time later, on October 14, 1788, Malaspina is informed of the government's acceptance of his plan.

José de Espinoza y Tello, one of the officers of the Malaspina expedition, subsequently confirms the importance of the information sent by Higgins in stimulating the Government to initiate an extensive program of exploration in the Pacific.

The prompt acceptance of Malaspina's proposal is also stimulated by news from St. Petersburg of preparations for a Russian expedition (the Mulovsky expedition) to the North Pacific under the command of Grigori I. Mulovsky that had as one of its objectives the claiming of territory on the North West Coast of America around Nootka Sound that is also claimed by Spain.