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