On 18 May 1961, as debates are held on the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the Europe of Six, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates a draft reply by the British delegation to Assembly Recommendation 54 on the association of Great Britain with the energy policy of the Six. The document notes that the British Government already cooperates with the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in the Energy Working Party set up by the Council of Association’s Coal Committee. The Council emphasises that the development of a coordinated energy policy largely depends on the action taken on a potential application for accession by the United Kingdom to the European Communities. It also points out that an adequate supply of energy is one of the main bases of economic security.