On 7 November 1980, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the Council’s reply to Recommendation 351 of the WEU Assembly on the international situation and European security, which incorporates the amendments proposed by the French delegation (document FL(80)16). The Council expresses its concern at the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, which is affecting the overall strategic situation. Given these circumstances and the growing military strength of the USSR, the Council emphasises the determination of the Atlantic Alliance to maintain, strengthen and modernise its defence posture in the interests of deterrence.