the implementation of the statute be carried forward in accordance with the Congressional intent that there be Meaningful consultation with the Government of the Marshall Islands so that the people of the Marshall Islands receive the full range of health services to which they are entitled under this statute. We believe that with an opportunity for meaningful consultation and careful thought the plan called for in Public Law 96-205 can be prepared by January 1, 1981 as directed by the Congress and we are committed to working a cooperatively with you to the fullest extent possible toward that goal. With these thoughts in mind, the Government of the Marshall Islands offers the following preliminary comments on the Discussion Paper which we reviewed in our August 6, 1980 meeting. We have had only a short time to consider this paper and therefore reserve the opportunity to provide further comments cn the Discussion Paper at a later date