It was a historical moment when the SPS machine reached 300 GeV. The event happened in parallel with the 57th Council session. Having informed Council about the achivement, Adams then politely consulted Council about increasing the energy of the machine to 400 GeV, a possibility that had been formally discussed at the 50th session. The motion was duly approved. Five minutes later, as Council continued its formal business; Adams was able to inform the meeting that the SPS had duly delivered 400 GeV protons.