On 21 March 1979, the Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) circulates the reply from the WEU Council to Assembly Recommendation 324 on the limitation of strategic arms. The Council reaffirms its resolve to seek further improvement in East/West relations and believes that specific arms control and disarmament measures would contribute significantly to the quest for security and stability. In this context, the Council supports the negotiations for a second SALT agreement (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) and notes that the United States is keeping the North Atlantic Council informed of the progress of negotiations. Nevertheless, the WEU member countries have noted with concern the steady build-up of the Warsaw Pact forces. Consequently, to ensure deterrence and defence in Western Europe, they are continuing to support the modernisation and strengthening of allied capabilities.