D/Sci/RMB/GC/val

Thank you for your prompt letter regarding the launch of SOHO. No doubt, the decision we took is the most rational one, and offers the best guarantees of success. The Project will comply with your request to inform the SOHO international team about the new date and explain the rationale behind it.

On another topic, as you may remember, during our meeting in Austria you promised to write me officially concerning Ulysses extension beyond 1995. I would myself be very happy with what you said, however, on 7-8 November 1994 we will have our next Science Programme Committee meeting and the SPC would like to be informed about the NASA position regarding the Ulysses mission extension. An official statement from you would help unblocking the funds for the extension.

I want to take this occasion to tell you how pleased I am that you could attend the Survey Committee meeting in Rome. I assume that Carl Pilcher told you how the meeting was concluded, much to the satisfaction of all participants. I also believe that you received the Information Note we prepared for the press after the meeting.

I should add that I am very happy that you appointed Carl to observer on behalf of NASA. He attended the whole meeting and gave a much appreciated personal contribution. I am sure that in his new capacity of Executive Secretary to IACG Carl will be able to bring new life to the Group in this very important year 1995.

Yours sincerely,