In preparation for the interparliamentary conference between the countries in the European Economic Community (EEC) and the associated overseas countries and territories (OCTs), the President of the European Parliamentary Assembly, Hans Furler, sends a letter to the speakers of the parliaments of the OCTs on 17 May 1960. Hans Furler emphasises that the European Parliamentary Assembly is keen to strengthen the links between the EEC and the OCTs and to adapt these relations to reflect new realities.