On 22 September 1981, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates a draft reply by the WEU Council to Assembly Recommendation 371 on European security and events in the Gulf area. The document, originally drawn up by the United Kingdom, contains several suggestions for amendments by the various delegations, particularly the French and German delegations. The points considered include the situation resulting from the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the settlement of the Arab/Israel dispute and the Iran/Iraq conflict, the oil question and WEU’s relations with the Gulf States. The Council’s draft reply particularly emphasises the importance of maintaining and enhancing stability in the Gulf area.