The 9th meeting of Senior Officials endorsed the feelings already expressed by the ESRO and the ELDO Council in establishing a Working Group dedicated to inquire into the US space programmes and its repercussions on the European space programme and, moreover, the possibilities of an European coordinated action. Chairmen were two officials of ESRO and ELDO and the staff come from ESC Secretariat. The consultants were recruited from scientific and industrial circles, chosen on account of their specific qualifications.