—— ee Chapter Eighie the United States began negotiations with Miotonestons Goo deter mine the fucure political status of the islands. Le appears chac Mi cronesta will eventually choose between two alternatives: a Micro hesian nation joined in free association with the Urited States or independence. Although no final agreements have been reached, it appears thac under the firse alternative, Micronesia would be self-governing in internal affairs. The United States would pro vide financial support and manage intertiaconal albus. din return, Micronesian hands would be available co che United: States for che development of miliary bases atid seratepic facilites (Werk and Baker 1970:168). An independent state, however, would have no guarantees Of cCOnONE asstsGance. While the fucure politcal status of the Prost Pertery ton cerca, there ts hitle doube chat the wot coo distant fotie Micronestans will assume the responsibility of managing at lease their owa domestic affairs. When this occurs, the American aon cies upon which the Bikinians have become so dependent will be withdrawn from che ishinds. ‘Phere is no reason to assume that a newly formed Micronesian governmenc will feel obliped to cake on responsibilicy for che Bikinians’ welfare and continued cohabit tation Of Bikini Acoll. “Phe Bikini situation is viewed asa prob lem thac Americans have created and for whale Americans ace en trcly responsible. At the same tine, the Bikinians dave no tony term comnmneament from the United States, and they aay be forced to fall back upon themselves. ee a ee eee or —_J. -_——e éLé1ogs 184°