On 14 June 1977, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the reply by the WEU Council to Assembly Recommendation 292 on the role of the Atlantic Alliance in the world today. Despite the economic crisis affecting the Western world, the Council emphasises the vigilance that must be exercised in order to ensure balance and stability in Europe, noting the importance of the Helsinki Final Act and the vital role of effective joint defence in view of the growing threat of the Warsaw Pact. The Council particularly mentions the action taken by WEU Member States in the various international bodies (CSCE, NATO, etc.) on issues relating to disarmament, defence, the promotion of parliamentary democracy and respect for human rights.