a 3— of the prospective freely associated states. The fact that the Compact of Free Association was approved by impressive majorities with high voter participation is testimony to the close and widespread interest and involvement of the general populations of the three states in the negotiating process. Likewise, the Executive Branch has taken pains to keep Congress, and particularly the committees with jurisdiction over the Trust Territory, abreast of progress in the negotiations. In this regard, we appreciate the many useful suggestions made over the years by members of both houses, most of which are reflected in the language of the Compact of Free Association. In preparation for their assumption of the status of freely associated states, the peoples of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands have drafted and inaugurated constitutions with bills of rights and representative governments based on democratic principles. For its part, the United States, acting through the Secretary of the Interior and the High Commissioner, has delegated to these governments the major executive, legislative and judicial powers granted it as administering authority under the Trusteeship Agreement with the United Nations. These constitutional governments carried out complete and objective public education programs in advance of the plebiscites in which their citizens voted to approve the Compact. The Compact of Free Association, together with its related agreements, will regulate the relations of the United States with