On 13 March 1954, on the island of Malta, the flags of six nations (France, Greece, Italy, Turkey, the United States and the United Kingdom) are raised over the Headquarters Allied Forces Mediterranean (AFMED) to mark the first anniversary of the formation of AFMED, command of which has been given to Admiral Mountbatten. AFMED has been placed directly under the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). In wartime, it is responsible for maintaining secure lines of communication in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and for leading air and naval operations. In peacetime, the Commander of AFMED organises operational plans for inter-Allied manoeuvres and oversees the training of the naval forces at its disposal.

On 14 December 1957, Maurice Dejean, French Ambassador to Moscow, sends French Foreign Minister Christian Pineau a telegram in which he provides information about the Soviet presence in the Near and Middle East. The USSR has established strong positions in Egypt and Syria, where it is welcomed as the defender of the Arab cause. Maurice Dejean emphasises that the oil route, which is vital for Western Europe, may be cut off at any time. The USSR also seems to believe that it still has extensive possibilities in the Near and Middle East. There may begin to be more deliveries of Soviet weapons in the region than Western weapons, increasing the risk of incidents. It may be worthwhile implying to the USSR that the Western powers would not be opposed to talks if it appeared possible to reach agreement on the Near and Middle East. The Ambassador believes that one condition which is vital to contain the Soviet advance in the region is the pooling of all intelligence, experience and loyalties on the Western side.

On 4 December 1967, as debates are held in the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) on the question of Mediterranean defence and following France’s withdrawal from the integrated military command of the Atlantic Alliance, the British daily newspaper The Guardian speculates on the future of the former French military bases on Algerian soil and expresses concern over Soviet military aid to Algeria.

On 25 October 1968, given the Soviet advance in the Mediterranean and the events in Czechoslovakia, the French daily newspaper Le Monde publishes the viewpoint of Louis de Villefosse, a former French Resistance member and member of the Scientific Action Committee for National Defence (1949), who analyses the reasons behind the Soviet Union’s military expansionism and the danger it represents, and calls on France to rethink its national defence strategy.

On 27 October 1968, the French daily newspaper Le Monde analyses the expansion of the USSR’s military presence in the Norwegian Sea and the eastern Mediterranean and outlines the maritime forces deployed in these regions.

From November to December 1968, in the British House of Commons, MPs raise the question of the expansion of Soviet activity in the Mediterranean. The Foreign Office prepares a series of notes on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) response to Soviet penetration in the region and highlights the United Kingdom’s position on this issue. This note recalls the communiqué issued after the NATO Ministerial Meeting in Reykjavik in June 1968, which stated that the ministers had given instructions for the study of measures to safeguard the security interests of NATO members in the area and to improve the effectiveness of allied forces there.

On 10 December 1968, John Barnes, Head of the Western Organisations Department of the Foreign Office, issues a note outlining the improvements in the United Kingdom’s contribution to NATO naval forces in the Mediterranean. He believes that a European naval task force, with a British component, as part of NATO’s naval forces in the Mediterranean would be a good idea from both the political (European) and military points of view. Given the penetration of Soviet naval forces in the Mediterranean, the Western countries are trying to improve the effectiveness of allied forces in the area. The proposal to establish a European naval task force in the Mediterranean, centred on a British carrier or amphibious ship, has been put forward in a speech by the British Conservative MP, Eldon Griffiths, to the Western European Union Assembly.

In 1969, an aircraft from the British carrier HMS Eagle photographs a Soviet Kotlin class missile destroyer taking fuel from a Russian supply ship while shadowing the British carrier, which has come down from a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) exercise in the Aegean Sea. Throughout the Cold War, naval espionage and the shadowing of enemy ships are used by the two blocs to monitor and assess their respective military forces.

AMoskva class helicopter carrier from the Soviet Navy, photographed in the Mediterranean by the British Royal Navy vessel HMS Walkerton. The Moskva, commissioned on 25 December 1967, could carry up to 18 helicopters for reconnaissance and anti-submarine missions. It was part of the Black Sea Fleet and crossed the Turkish Straits in 1969 for its first deployment in the Mediterranean. The Moskva was integrated into the Soviet naval force in the Mediterranean (the 5th Eskadra), which, in the mid-1970s, numbered some 80 warships.

On 1 April 1969, warships from the Soviet Navy complete a training cruise in the Mediterranean, reaffirming their defensive and dissuasive capability. The Western countries in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), concerned for their security, pay close attention to the movements of the Soviet fleet in the region.

On 1 June 1969, Soviet warships take part in military exercises in the Mediterranean. The gradual advance of the Soviet fleet in the Mediterranean in the mid-1960s is a source of concern for the member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

On 18 June 1969, the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) adopts Recommendation 185 on the political implications of the Soviet intervention in the Mediterranean. The Assembly recommends that the WEU Council lend its support to the ‘on-call’ naval force established by the Atlantic Alliance in the Mediterranean and that it continue to concert all necessary action to address the political and military threat represented by the build-up of the Soviet fleet. It also urges the Council, together with the United States and the Soviet Union, to seek means of bringing the armaments race in the Middle East to an end and to work for peace and stability in the region.

On 22 September 1969, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates a revised draft reply to Assembly Recommendation 185 on the political implications of the Soviet intervention in the Mediterranean, including an amendment proposed by the British delegation (in the first sentence on page 3) and emphasising the importance for Europe of a return to peace in the Middle East. The working group recommends approval of the revised draft by the Council.

On 1 June 1970, the Sub-Directorate for the Levant in the French Foreign Ministry draws up speaking notes for the ministerial meeting of the Council of Western European Union (WEU) due to be held on 5 and 6 June 1970 in Bonn on the issues surrounding the Middle East crisis. It emphasises the worsening of tensions in the Middle East, particularly as a result of the gradual radicalisation of Palestinian resistance movements and the escalation in military action between Israel and its neighbours, fuelled by a potential increase in aid from Moscow to the Arab states. In a bid to find a solution to the conflict, France calls for a resumption of consultations between the four powers on the Security Council (the United States, the USSR, France and the United Kingdom); it believes that it is possible to reach a consensus on a peaceful settlement.

On 15 September 1970, the British daily newspaper The Guardian reports on the statement made at the Council meeting of Western European Union (WEU) by Anthony Royle, British Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, on the priorities of British defence. Although the defence of Europe remains a priority, the address by Anthony Royle particularly focuses on the importance of security in the Mediterranean, given the Soviet advance into the region.

At the 423rd meeting of the Council of Western European Union (WEU), held at ministerial level on 1 July 1971 in London and chaired by the British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, the delegations discuss the situation in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. On the matter of a possible provisional arrangement between Egypt and Israel, Sir Alec Douglas-Home remains very sceptical as to whether such an arrangement would be accepted. The French State Secretary in the Foreign Ministry, Jean de Lipkowski, also does not believe in a partial settlement to the conflict. Nevertheless, he notes that the countries involved are expecting the European powers to continue to uphold the law and to reiterate the principles that should guide the international community as it seeks to establish a just peace in the area.

On 9 November 1970, the British aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal collides with a Soviet Kotlin-class destroyer shadowing it off the island of Crete in the Mediterranean. This incident results in the death of two Soviet sailors.

On 21 December 1970, in preparation for the 410th meeting of the Council of Western European Union (WEU), due to be held at ministerial level on 11 January 1971 in Luxembourg, the Directorate for Political Affairs in the French Foreign Ministry draws up a note on the Soviet presence in North Africa. The ministry considers that the Soviet presence in North Africa is not likely to jeopardise Western positions as easily as generally believed.

At the 410th meeting of the Council of Western European Union (WEU), held at ministerial level on 11 January 1971 in Luxembourg, the delegations discuss the Soviet presence in the Mediterranean. Geoffrey Rippon, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, emphasises that the British Government is very concerned by the growing presence of Soviet naval forces in the Mediterranean. It considers the situation to be serious and believes that it would be worthwhile for the Member States of the Council to continue to hold consultations on this matter. However, the French State Secretary in the Foreign Ministry, Jean de Lipkowski, does not think that the Soviet presence in North Africa represents as much of a threat to Western positions as generally believed, despite the fact that Algeria serves as an anchor point for the Soviet penetration policy. France does not see the Soviet Union in North Africa as an adversary but rather as a competitor seeking to impose its experts, products and techniques.

At the 410th meeting of the Council of Western European Union (WEU), held at ministerial level on 11 January 1971 in Luxembourg, British representative Geoffrey Rippon, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, expresses the concerns of the British Government at the increasing presence of Soviet naval forces in the Mediterranean.

On 20 November 1974, the United Kingdom delegation to the Council of Western European Union (WEU) proposes various amendments to the draft reply prepared by the Italian delegation to Assembly Recommendation 254 on security and the Mediterranean. Most of the amendments are incorporated into the final reply (C (74)196). The amended document covers various points including the general question of defence in the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, the use of anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, the role of observation satellites and the passage of the Turkish Straits by aircraft carriers from Black Sea states. One of the matters covered is also the suggestion that France should resume its former command responsibility in the western Mediterranean, but the idea that this would require an initiative which would be the responsibility of the French Government alone is not included in the final reply, which instead refers to France’s relations with NATO.

On 20 June 1978, the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) adopts Recommendation 313 on security in the Mediterranean. In view of the increasing Soviet presence in the region, the Assembly recommends to the WEU Council that it take concerted action in all appropriate international bodies to strengthen the collective presence of the Atlantic Alliance in the Mediterranean.

On 13 October 1978, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the WEU Council’s reply to Assembly Recommendation 313 on security in the Mediterranean. The Council welcomes the call for more public support by the members of the Atlantic Alliance for the arrangements made in the Mediterranean, and for assurance of their participation in exercises and contingency planning. It points out that command arrangements are primarily a matter for NATO. The text notes the commitment of some non-Mediterranean countries (the United Kingdom, the FRG and the Netherlands) in these exercises and particularly mentions the strengthening of France’s naval forces in the area. Finally, the Council believes that the increase in Soviet forces in the Mediterranean or the establishment of new facilities for them in the area would be harmful to peace.

On 5 February 1979, a Soviet Krivak I-class guided-missile frigate observes the movements of US Carrier Battle Group Eight off the coast of Lebanon. The US carrier battle group is composed of the following vessels (from left to right): the guided missile destroyer USS Richard E. Byrd, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, the replenishment oiler USS Kalamazoo and the frigate USS W. S. Sims.

On 4 December 1979, the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) adopts Recommendation 341 on the impact of the evolving situation in the Near and Middle East on Western European security. It emphasises that the maintenance of peace in that region is essential for Western Europe’s security and economic prosperity. The document particularly sets out the Assembly’s position on the consequences of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, on the question of the American hostages in Tehran and on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It proposes a series of recommendations for the Council, calling on its members to adopt common positions with regard to Iran, Afghanistan, Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation.

On 1 January 1980, a few weeks after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, a column of armoured vehicles from the Soviet army moves along a snowy road near the Afghan capital Kabul. The tanks and armoured vehicles of the Red Army soon prove unable to cope with the mountainous terrain in Afghanistan and the guerrilla tactics used by the Afghan resistance.

On 7 January 1980, in an address to the UN Security Council, France outlines its position on the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. It approves the draft resolution calling for the immediate, unconditional withdrawal of Soviet troops and urges respect for Afghanistan’s independence.

On 8 February 1980, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the draft reply by the British delegation to the Council to the question put by Sir Frederic Bennett, British member of the WEU Assembly, who, in view of the threat posed by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, would like to know what guarantees the WEU member countries are prepared to grant for the security and integrity of Pakistan and Iran. The draft reply mentions that the WEU member countries are currently considering how to respond; they have called for the immediate withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan and are analysing the request for assistance from Pakistan and plans for bilateral assistance announced by Western governments. Although Iran has not requested any help, the WEU member countries will keep a close eye on future Soviet intentions in this area.

On 28 February 1980, two months after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Afghan resistance fighters carry the barrel of an anti-aircraft gun in the mountainous Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan, near the Pakistani border. From 1979 to 1989, the Afghan resistance is involved in an armed struggle with the Soviet invader.

On 5 March 1980, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates a draft reply prepared by the French delegation to Assembly Recommendation 341 on the impact of the evolving situation in the Near and Middle East on Western European security. The text is subsequently reproduced in full in the final reply by the Council (C(80)50). The draft reply sets out the position of the WEU Council on the situation of the American hostages in Iran and raises the question of the settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, referring to the statement issued by the Nine on 18 June 1979. Finally, the Council notes that the Member States are determined to continue their efforts to secure a settlement of the Middle East conflict. The document will be examined by a working group at a forthcoming meeting.

On 26 March 1980, the French delegation to the Council of Western European Union (WEU) proposes an amendment to the third and fourth sentences of the draft reply to written question 206 on the situation in Afghanistan. The amendment suggests referring to the communiqué issued after the meeting of the Nine on 19 February 1980, at which the foreign ministers took the view that the crisis could be overcome by an arrangement which allowed a neutral Afghanistan to be outside competition among the powers.

On 3 June 1980, the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) adopts Recommendation 348 on the application of the Brussels Treaty following the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union, in which it calls for close cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

On 18 September 1980, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the draft reply by the British delegation to points 6 and 7 of Assembly Recommendation 348 on the application of the Brussels Treaty following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The United Kingdom government authorities announce that they will provide the Council with an annual statement indicating the strength of the UK’s Second Tactical Air Force and any redeployment affecting this strength.

On 28 October 1980, the French delegation to the Council of Western European Union (WEU) proposes a series of amendments to the draft reply to Recommendation 351 of the WEU Assembly on the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. The draft reply expresses the grave concern of the ministers at the continued occupation of the country by Soviet troops. The international crisis thus caused calls for a resolute, constant and concerted response on the part of the Allies.

On 1 April 1981, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the draft reply by the British delegation to the WEU Council to the question put by Sir Frederic Bennett, a British member of the WEU Assembly, on the measures that WEU member countries have taken or are contemplating taking to assist the Afghan resistance movements. Frederic Bennett particularly raises the question of deliveries of weapons to the resistance movements. The Council, while recognising the Afghan resistance’s need for weapons, remains cautious and considers that it would not be helpful to give a specific answer to the question so as to avoid providing any information that might help identify supply sources.

On 29 April 1981, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the reply by the WEU Council to the question put by Sir Frederic Bennett, a British member of the WEU Assembly, on the measures that WEU member countries have taken or are contemplating taking to assist the Afghan resistance movements. Taking up the draft reply proposed by the French delegation (WPM(81)20/1), the Council affirms that the crisis was brought about by the Soviet military intervention and particularly emphasises the humanitarian aid that WEU can offer to the peoples of Afghanistan who have been driven from their country by hunger and fighting.

On 18 June 1981, the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) adopts Recommendation 371 on European security and events in the Gulf area. The document particularly refers to the situation brought about by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the prevailing instability and tension throughout the entire Middle East region. The Assembly’s recommendations to the Council include expressing the opposition of its members to any intervention by the Soviet Union in the Middle Eastern countries.

On 22 September 1981, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates a draft reply by the WEU Council to Assembly Recommendation 371 on European security and events in the Gulf area. The document, originally drawn up by the United Kingdom, contains several suggestions for amendments by the various delegations, particularly the French and German delegations. The points considered include the situation resulting from the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the settlement of the Arab/Israel dispute and the Iran/Iraq conflict, the oil question and WEU’s relations with the Gulf States. The Council’s draft reply particularly emphasises the importance of maintaining and enhancing stability in the Gulf area.

On 6 October 1981, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates a second amended version of the draft reply by the WEU Council to Assembly Recommendation 371 on European security and events in the Gulf area. The document again contains several suggestions for amendments by the various delegations, particularly the British, French and German delegations. The amendments mainly concern the situation arising from the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, as well as WEU relations with the Gulf states. Most of the French and British amendments are taken up in the final version (revised document C(81)143).

In this interview excerpt, Francis Gutmann, an official in the French Foreign Ministry from 1951 to 1957 and Secretary-General of the External Relations Ministry from 1981 to 1985, discusses France’s position on the Soviet military presence in the Mediterranean during the Cold War and its implications for the balance of forces. France was prepared to do all it could to maintain a strategic balance between the United States and Russia in the Mediterranean, but the situation in Afghanistan was not seen as a direct threat to the strategic balance in the region.

The Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) puts a series of questions to the Council on Soviet penetration in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, and asks the Council whether these forces represent a threat to the Member States of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

On 5 December 1967, the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) adopts Recommendation 160 on the defence of the Mediterranean and the NATO southern flank, recommending that the WEU Council consider what action it can take to further the implementation of a series of proposals to guarantee the stability of the Mediterranean area.

In February 1968, the French monthly newspaper Le Monde diplomatique publishes an article by Dutch Assembly member Frans J. Goedhart in which he analyses the measures proposed to counter Soviet military expansion in the Eastern Mediterranean and emphasises the role played by the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU).

On 15 May 1968, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the Council’s reply to Assembly Recommendation 160 on the defence of the Mediterranean and the NATO southern flank. The Council considers that the establishment by the United Nations of an international body to supervise the implementation of the Convention of Constantinople of 1888 covering the passage of vessels through the Suez Canal would not prevent a return to crisis situations such as that of 1956. The Council would also welcome the establishment of international measures for the effective control of the trade in arms.

On 18 January 1969, the French daily newspaper Le Monde reports on the decision by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) to create an emergency force in the Mediterranean in response to the Soviet naval presence in the region.

On 20 June 1974, the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) adopts Recommendation 254 on security problems in the Mediterranean area as a whole. The Assembly, convinced that there is no alternative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) as the basis of European defence, both in the Mediterranean and elsewhere, recommends that the WEU Council should press for improvements in NATO defence arrangements in the Mediterranean, highlighting the role that France can play in the Western Mediterranean.

On 27 November 1974, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the Council’s reply to Assembly Recommendation 254 on security and the Mediterranean, which incorporates several British proposals from documents WPM (74) 28 and WPM (74) 28/1. The text emphasises that these two subjects have been considered and studied by all the member countries of WEU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). But given the changing political and military situations in the region, the Council notes that the existing studies and analyses will have to be brought up to date and developed, particularly in the areas of anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles and observation satellites. Regarding the suggestion that France should resume its former command responsibility in the western Mediterranean, the Council points out that it is not in a position to express an opinion since this matter concerns France’s relations with the Atlantic Alliance.

On 3 June 1980, the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) adopts Recommendation 349 on the impact of the evolving situation in the Near and Middle East on Western European security. The Assembly believes that the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan represents a threat to the fundamental principles of international law and that it endangers the balance and peace in an area which is vital for the security of the Western world. This situation makes it essential to take urgent measures to guarantee the maintenance of a just peace in the Near and Middle East. The Assembly therefore recommends that consultations should be held on questions concerning the security in areas not covered by the Brussels Treaty and the North Atlantic Treaty.

On 21 October 1980, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) sends the Member States the Council’s reply to Assembly Recommendation 348 on the application of the Brussels Treaty following the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union. The text underlines that the Member States have discharged themselves of the full range of their responsibilities both as member States of the Western European Union and as partner within the Atlantic Alliance. Measures have been taken to strenghten the Alliance's defence capability in Europe. The text also incorporates point 6 of the British draft (WPM(80)22/1), in which the United Kingdom undertakes to provide an annual statement of the strength of its Second Tactical Air Force.

On 4 November 1980, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the reply by the WEU Council to Assembly Recommendation 349 on the impact of the evolving situation in the Near and Middle East on western European security. The Council notes the importance of consultation among the member countries when crises arise outside the North Atlantic Treaty area which might affect the security of the Alliance. The text raises the question of the concept of a neutral and non-aligned Afghanistan included in the Venice declaration adopted by the Nine, the efforts to obtain from Iran the freeing of the American diplomats held hostage, the association of Turkey with the economy of Western Europe and the question of a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East.

On 4 June 1980, the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) adopts Recommendation 351 on the international situation and European security. The Assembly is concerned at the USSR’s military intervention in Afghanistan and Soviet expansion in the Middle East, an area which is of vital interest to the West. The deployment of new Soviet weapons in Eastern Europe is also liable to upset the balance on which peace depends. The Assembly therefore recommends that the Council ensure that the European members of the Atlantic Alliance should hold regular consultations on the policies they pursue outside the area covered by the North Atlantic Treaty. While continuing their efforts to sustain the defensive capability of NATO in the light of new Soviet weapons, they should make sure that disarmament negotiations are pursued between East and West. The members of the Atlantic Alliance should also agree on effective measures to be taken to convince the Soviet Union of their unanimous condemnation of the invasion of Afghanistan.

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.

On 2 December 1980, the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) adopts Recommendation 359 on the state of European security. The Assembly observes that the nature of the Soviet challenge is no longer exclusively a military threat to Europe but has become a worldwide search for influence, backed by the use of military force, either directly or by proxy. Soviet superiority in tanks and divisions on the central front in Europe is also a cause for concern. The document recommends that the WEU Council urge the member governments to impress on the United States, at the highest level, the need for continuous awareness of the allied dimension of all security issues. It is vital to carry out prior consultation in the North Atlantic Council. The member governments should also maintain and improve their contribution to allied defence by taking particular provisions to enable certain US resources to be devoted to defensive operations outside the NATO area.

On 17 March 1981, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the Council’s draft reply to Recommendation 359 of the WEU Assembly on the state of European security. It contains several French amendments, all of which are included in the final version (C(81)69). The Council notes that the security of Western Europe and North America may be adversely affected by the situation developing outside the NATO Treaty area, particularly following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The draft reply, to which amendments have been added by the French delegation, emphasises the cohesion, solidarity and resolve of the allied countries in the field of security policy. It also underlines the importance of the measures taken by the Member States of the Atlantic Alliance to strengthen their defence posture.

On 29 April 1981, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the Council’s reply to Recommendation 359 of the WEU Assembly on the state of European security. The Council particularly focuses on the consequences of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan for the security of Western Europe and North America and welcomes the close consultations held by the allied countries on the matter, as well as the cohesion, solidarity and resolve achieved in the light of the Soviet Union’s demonstrated lack of restraint in the use of military force. The Council emphasises the efforts made by the Member States of the Atlantic Alliance to strengthen their defence posture and to find solutions to the new challenges that threaten their strategic and economic interests.