In its issue of October 1962, the International Review of the Red Cross mentioned the studies being undertaken by the ICRC with a view to strengthening the guarantees which international humanitarian law could confer on civil defence personnel. The encouragement which the International Committee has received to pursue this objective, from the International Red Cross Council of Delegates at its 1963 meeting, from National Societies of the Red Cross, and even from governments, has induced it to convene a meeting of Experts for this forthcoming autumn at which will be present, in particular, representatives from governments having declared themselves in favour of this work. The purpose of the meeting is to lay the foundation for a set of draft regulations concerning an internationally recognized status for civil defence. It is intended to submit this draft to the next International Red Cross Conference.