At the 302nd meeting of the Council of Western European Union (WEU), held at ministerial level on 29 and 30 September 1966 in Paris and chaired by French State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Jean de Broglie, the delegations discuss East–West relations, particularly the efforts made by their governments to develop bilateral relations with the countries of Eastern Europe. British representative George Thomson raises the question of a possible withdrawal of British troops stationed in Germany because of the costs involved in maintaining them there, but assures those present that these forces would continue to be available to NATO. Concerning relations with the countries of Eastern Europe, George Thomson and Jean de Broglie have identified new prospects and a number of signs that might be a guide to future developments.