In 1525 the Hanseatic diet met to discuss a common defense treaty in Lübeck. This proved to be the first step in a more unified Hanseatic League. Common defense began to draw many of the closer towns together, sharing intelligence and such, especially the Wendish circle. In 1554, the diet decided on annual dues to be collected for various expenses, and while many of the Dutch, Prussian, and Swedish towns lapsed in their dues, the northern German towns, grown closer due to their mutual defense and the recent increase in league meetings, paid in good faith. This strengthened the league as a whole, paying the tariffs for smaller towns and increasing their prosperity as well as other things. In 1556, the position of Syndic was created to give a unified voice to the league, being responsible for legal advice and international negotiations.