meant to remove the uncertainty surrounding the annual cycle and to facilitate long-term economic planning. Economic assistance is also intended to help budget the FAS undertake economic development activities and provide essential public services. They must prepare national development plans outlining activities to which they plan to commit the resources. The plans, which must receive the concurrence of the U.S. government, will establish goals for the various sectors of the economies in an effort to lessen dependence on outside resources and to approach economic self-reliance. , The United States will also provide weather and postal services and the services of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration. In addition, the FAS may apply for technical assistance from any authorized federal agency. Under the Trusteeship, the FSM and the Marshall Islands are eligible for and participate in many federal grant programs. Once the Compact goes into effect, their participation in such programs will essentially cease, and they will be permitted design programs to meet the specific needs of their citizens. to The Compact acknowledges that additional financial and program assistance may be required, so the FAS may request the Congress to provide assistance above the amount provided in the Compact. Defense and security . Free association is distinguished from independence by the reliance of one state on another for security and defense. The United States, under the Compact, will have full authority in defense and security-related matters, including the -~obligation to defend the Micronesians from attack; --option to establish and use military areas and facilities subject ments; to and the terms of the specific bilateral agree- --option to foreclose or "deny" access to any third country for military purposes. ity, To enable the United States to exercise its defense author- the Micronesians must United States determines responsibilities. refrain conflicts from any with actions its which the defense-related. While the political relationship of free association may be terminated at any time, certain related 19 provisions are subject