On 21 January 1980, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the draft reply prepared by the United Kingdom delegation to WEU Assembly Recommendation 337 on political conditions for European armaments cooperation. The Council agrees with the Assembly that all efforts should be made to promote cooperation in the field of defence equipment. Studies are drawn up with regard to the supply side within the Standing Armaments Committee (SAC) and the independent European Programme Group (IEPG). The situation is complex, and similar national requirements are considered against production possibilities in participating countries or elsewhere. The Council does not believe, however, that the establishment of an international organisation to collect supply information will advance the cause of armaments cooperation. Given the theoretical and practical difficulties, compromises on national equipment requirements are often necessary to secure agreement in collaborative projects. The Council does not deem it necessary to create further international machinery to supplement the analysis of methods of meeting equipment needs or to introduce specific legislation to facilitate the formation of transnational bodies producing armaments. The Council agrees with the Assembly that every effort should be made to halt the illegal trade in arms.