"France, as an important member of the EEC, plays a major role in European affairs and it is a strong proponent of European unity. It is currently the President of the EEC Council, at a time when the Community is addressing itself to many economic and political questions, in intra-community affairs, as well as in matters between the Community and other countries and groups of countries. The Community itself is about to be enlarged with the admission of two new members, namely, Spain and Portugal. I would like to extend to you my best wishes and to express my confidence that under the Presidency of France, the Community will achieve progress in its endeavours."