A copy of a letter to J.F. Hosie from the Oxford University staff members D.E. Blackwell, H.H. Plaskett, M.G. Adam, M.F. Ingham, A.D. Petford, G. Smith and J.V. Peach, 25 November 1969, emphasizing the vital part played by university departments in astronomical research, particularly in the United States. There is also a letter to the Northern Hemisphere Review Committee from A.N. Argue, D.W. Beggs, D.W. Dewhirst, C.J. Durrant, E.J. Kibblewhite, D.W. Peet, Mrs A.C. Pemberton, R.V. Willstrop, R.C. Witcomb and G. Worrall, 2 December 1969, advocating maintaining university departments and setting up an Astronomical Organising Committee.