.U NIT EDNA TION 5 Distr. GENERAL

,TRUSTEESHIP T/PV.1545 COUNCIL 23 May 1983 ENGLISH

VERBATIM RECORD OF THE FIFTEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIFTH llliETING

Held at Headquarters, New York, on Monday, 16 May 1983, at 3 p.m.

President: Mr. MARGETSON (United Kinp:dom)

Examination of the annual report of the Administering Authority for the year ended 30 September 1982: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (continued)

Organization of Work

This record is subject to correction. Corrections should be submitted in one of the working languages, preferably in the same language as the text to which they refer. They should be set forth in a memorandum and also, if possible, incorporated in a copy of the record. They should be sent, within one week of the date of this document, to the Chief, Official Records Editing Section, Department of Conference Services, room A-3550, 866 United Nations Plaza. Any corrections to the records of the meetings of this session will be consolidatea in a single corrigendum, to be issued shortly after the end of the session.

83-60611 mm/3 T/PV.1545 2

The meeting. ,,~~ed to order at 3.25 p.m.

EXAMIN.A.TIOH OF THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ADNINISTERING AUTHORITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEUBER 1982: TRUST TERRITORY OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS (T/IG53; T/L.1235 and Add.l)(~ontinued)

At the invitation of the President. Hrs. McCoy, ~1r. Tenorio, Hr. Oiterong, Mr. Dcmnick and Mr. Takesy, Special Repr~sentatives, and ~rr. Zeder and Mr. Salii} Special Adviser~_? teol~ places at the Council table.

The PRESIDENT: I call on Hr. Ped.ro Tenorio, Special Representative and Governor of the Commonwealth of the northern Mariana Islands.

Mr. TENORIO (Special Representative): }ir. President, before I begin my presentation, the delegation of the CommomTeath of the Northern Mariana Islands ,"ould like to extend its best vrishes and congratulations to you and to the Vice-President of the Trusteeship Council. We leok forward to working in harmony with you during the next year. He should like also to express our sincere appreciation to your predecessor. Once aGain, I bring the warm greetings of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. It is an honour and a privilege to appear before the Trusteeship Council for the seccnd time as Governor of the Commonwealth. Before proceeding further, I should like to introduce the other members of our delegation. They are: the Honourable Olympio T. Borja, President of the Senate, Third Northern Harianas Commonwealth Legislature; the Honourable Benigno R. Fitial, Speaker of the House of Representatives; and the Honourable Ed'''ard D. Pangelinan, representative to the United States. Also lnth me today are Senate Vice-President Benjamin T. Hanglona and Congressman Jose R. Lifoifoi. As in the past, our relationship vrith the United States has demonstrated the mutual respect and spirit of co-operation that exists between our Governments. Several significant developments have taken place during the past year ,.;hieh are ucserving of cow~ent. In July 1932, the Food Stamp Programme, nOVT known in our islands as the Nutrition Assistance Programme, was finally implemented. This progra~e replaced EHS/3 T/PV.1545 3 (0r~_Tenori9.' Special Representative) the United States Department of ~griculture procramme, and has ereatly improved the d.iet of our less fortunate citizens. He have noted an increase in agricultural productivity and in fishing because of a unique feature requiring that 25 per cent of the purchases must be of local origin. Construction of a new, modern health care centre should commence soon. Once completed, the new facility will provide in-patient nursing, out-patient Clinics, public health offices, dental clinics, and support and supply facilities. In January of this year the ConBress of the Uniteo. States approved, and the President signed into law, a Bill providing initial construction funding in the amount of $10 million. We are also in the process of preparing a detailed operating and health manpower plan so that we can keep operating and staff costs within tolerable limits. He are most thankful to the United States for its financial and technical assistance. Recently, President Reagan issued a proclamation establishing an exclusive economic zone of 200 miles. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands was included in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Trusteeship Agreement and the Covenant. Since that time, several Bills have been introduced in Congress implementing the Presidential proclamation. Ile shall closely monitor developments to ensure that the management of the exclusive economic zone will preserve our environment and provide economic benefits to the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas. Another environmental issue of international importance concerns the dumping of nuclear wastes in the ocean. Recently, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that States may effectively halt the construction of nuclear p01-Ter plants until a safe pla~ for storing and disposing of nuclear wastes is approved. I should like to restate our opposition to the storage or dumpine; of nuclear wastes in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is our position that nations Which benefit from nuclear energy must assume whatever dangers or risks may exist from ~he storage or disposal of radioactive wastes. Tourism continues to be our major industry in the Commonwealth of the Northern 11ariana Islands. He experienced some decline in the number of passenger arrivals in 1982. HovTever, in April of this year • Continental/Air I1icronesia commenced daily flight services to and from Nagoya, Japan. This second market in Japan should EhS/3 (Mr. Tenorio, Special Representative) result in a tremendous increase in passenger arrivals from Japan, our major market. He continue to request a charter service; however, this issue is now cauGht in an interpretational deadlock between the United States Government and the Japan Civil Aeronautics Board. Tourisr'1 is a non-polluting and labour-intensive industry. Long term grmrth requires improvement of our infrastructure. During the

past year \-le have taken measures to improve our uater system. Unfortunately, our efforts have been somewhat thwarted by Mother Nature, as we have experienced one of the longest droughts in recorded history. During the past year much attention was focused on the CommomTealth by foreign investors. Owing to our geographica~ ~ccation, cur United States Commonwealth status and our beautiful climate, various business firms have expressed an interest in locating in the CommollVTealth. As a result of various provisions of the Covenant, the CODwonwealth is given preferential treatment if goods manufactured or assembled in the Northern Hariana Island.s are exported to the United States. Recent negotiations with United States officials have clarified our preferential status, and I am enthusiastically optimistic that significant progress will be made during the next several years. Again, it is vital that we upgrade our infrastructure in order to provide essential public services on an expanded basis. Earlier this year the United States exercised its option to lease land on several of our islands, most notably the island of Tinian. The provisions of the lease were negotiated years aGo and are ccntained in the Covenant. He are noVT in the process of negotiating fair and equitable settlements for the persons affected, and I am hopeful that this can be accomplished quicld.y and .Tithout lengthy litigation.I The exercise of the lease option was smooth, and it demonstrates our close relationship with the United States. He app"::"oached the bargaining table as equals, and the signing of the lease .Tas evidence of good faith on our part in implementing ccmmitments entered into with the United States. Sy/l~/pt T/PV.1545 6

Two issues seriously affecting the Commonwealth remain unresolved: payrlent of a,·rards made pursuant to the 11icronesian Claims /lct of 1971 and termination of the Trusteeship Agreement. The membership of this Council is avTare of the position of the COF'illomrealth, and" for this reason, I l

Thank you o 11r, President, for the opportunity to address the Trusteeship Council. I wish now to introduce Speaker Benigno R. Fitial~ who would like to make an additional statement, SY/4/pt T/PV.15 ll5 7

----_._---The PRESIDENT~ I thank Governor Tenorio: in particular for his kind vTOrds addressed to me and to Hr. Poudade. I now call on 1·1r. Benigno FitiaL Special Adviser and Speal~er of the House of Representatives .. l'Torthern r~ariana Islands Leedslature.

~-T!.:-!,ITIAL_ (Special Adviser): At the outset ~ Sir I vrish to extenc my congratulations to you upon your election as President of the Council. I share the sentiment expressed by the chief of our deleration. Governor Pedro P. Tenorio. and the other members of this Council concerning YOllr most able leadership~ in which I express full confidence. I would like to extend my VTarm vishes and congratulations to ~ir. Poudade, the new' Vice- President of the Trusteeship Council. I 1001;: forvrarcl to successful deliherations at this, the fiftieth session of the Trusteeship Council. It is a great honour and privile~e for me to be able to address this body on behalf of the third Northern Marianas Cornmonvrealth Le~islature and the constituency which it .represents. We are appreciative of the continuing assistance and interest this Council has Clevoted to the people of the Comrnomrealth of the 1ITorthern Hariana Islands, vThich ;.ras manifested most recently by the delegation this Council sent to the Commonwealth and the pther ,iurisdictions of the Trusteeship. In my report to you for the year under revie'f, I 'rish to ermhasize the Com~onwealth Legislature:s support for the statement just presented by our Governor and then to highlight a few of the ma~or concerns which the assistance of the Trusteeship Council may help to resolve, I take pleasure in endorsing the Governor I s Observation that our relationship with the United States as Adninistering Authority continues to be one based on mutual respect and a spirit of co··operation. He are p;rateful to the United States for the continued appropriation of vital operaxions and development funding guaranteed in our covenant. We are also pleased SY/4/pt T/PV.1545 ()

with the assistance of the United States in implementing the Cowmonwealth Food Stamp Proe;ramme and in appropriatinc: (:'10 million to begin construction of a new hospital facility on Saipan. These funds and pro~rammes exemplify the assistance the United States is providin€" to construct an essential infrastructure and to promote economic development in the Comn1omrealth. Fhile the COJT1momrealth has roa.de much pro&;ress in this area? I note that ,re still have a long way to eo before an acceptable level of essential infrastructure and economic independence is attained. It is for this reason that ~e endorse the Trusteeship Councilvs observation that [; ... economic a.ssistance to the Territory should be maintained at least at its present level to enable the people to achieve a certain

11 measure of economic independence • (T/L.1228 ". Add.L para. 71) The development of the private sector continues to be a priority of the Commonwealth Government. He have found the bloated- govern-mental structure that ire inherited from the Trust Territory Administration difficult to manage and to reduce in size. The lar~e public sector has disproportionately absorbed our best skilled workers and drained our scarce budget resources. Reco~nizing this? we are resolved to do everything possible to promote the beneficial ~ro,rth of our private sector. In this regard, I feel that the Council can be of assistance in eliminating some of the unnecessary stQmbling blocks to OUr development.

For example 7 ,rhile tourism is the ma,ior industry of the Cornmomrealth ~ our efforts to promote its t:rovrth have been halted as the Uniteo. States a,no. Japan quarrel over vrhether or not to grant our request for charter air service from Japan. v~ respectfully ask the Council to intervene with the Governments of the United States and Japan to help resolve this cispute. Another example is the restriction the United States Government iJT1~oses upon the fisheries and economic zone resources in the waters of the Northern l~arianas. During the last year, the United States Congress ~ with 'rjpv.15L!5 9-10

lci,ttl', wm')~'~llg -',~O ('1: ~_njJut from the, C(')1i)110l11-V <11th, Rrbitrnxo:',-ly Amr-ndr-d. its

f:~8hn::._0co IplT to (x"'rt jw::,.sd:tct:LOl"- nVi'r t.h:'- 1'rrl,t(-'X"s surroupd:Lnf, the

[lm':"'ndm'''''1~~ uould prevent the Corrrnonn e81th from locf'lly manarin{' its fisheries

\r~i~h for.e ·i.g)~ f:i.~l1.:~,J1C; r;.nt:wns. Tlv 8e .royalties 8xe no small sum either.

"8hr example 0 'r: 1902, Jnprtn ne:):( ~c d. to P11Y t.h" F:~d~-rp.t( d St~.t'.- R of It~cr()l1'''' s:~1'1 ~..p:::)).-c>x::_wlt,.oly .';;2.5 mill:d'J: cl'sh nnd ~:>l50, 000 in G00ds flnd S(,x'v:J.cr s for thE"

.r'~J,;ht to f:csh :.,11 F·o d( rr1tf cl stnt,o s of lIicroJ1c 8~.fl \·Hl.trrs for just (lIT( y'" pr.

be fol101l'cl by n [1:,:nb ('f nn-(-url'.l 5,'8 11Ud S'-'f1.bfd r'sourcps ;:1.S w\"'"ll. Ht- fl:r.(­ nlX',: I1dy ['-ITn):: of thc X': Ct' 11t Un:'t(-' cl State R Gow'-rnI1lo nt prOClf1IDAt:'.nrJ.

11SS"Tt.cnr; jurisd:'lctioE ),11 an : xclusivf pC())Wnn..c zone cnJ1tiguous tn the DG/5 T/PV.1545 11

At least one Bill vThich iTould implement this proclamation by legislation fails to recognize the role of our covenant with the United States and in fact proposes to extend the United States zone throughout the entire Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. He believe that the taldng of these r-esources by the United States Conc;ress hinders our economic advanceY'lent and is legally inconsistent with our local laws enacted pursuant to our covenant agreement and constitutional mandate that the living and non~livinG marine resources around the Northern

Narianas rightly belonr~ to the Cornmomvealth. Loreov d") the taking of resources may be inconsistent lTith the United nations Trusteeship Agreement to the extent that the congressional enactments require an assertion of sovereignty in watersof the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands prior to the termination of the Trusteeship Agreement. I should also like to endorse the Governor's remarks regarding our opposition to the dumpinr, of nuclear wastes in the ocean. As part of our opposition to the dumpin~, storage and use of nuclear materials in Commonwealth .waters ~ the Third Northern Narianas Legislature recently passed Public Dc.w 3_1~2. an Act declarin~ a nuclear anQ chemical-free zone in and around the Northern Hariana Islands. I'lore recently. the newly organized Association of Pacific Island Le~islators, vThose members represent the jurisdictions throughout the Trust Territory and Guam, unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing a nuclear~free zone in the north-western Pacific Ocean. The resolution also supports the Hauru and Kiribati initiative to ban permanently the dwaping of radioactive ivastes in the oceans, endorses the London DumpinG Convention's two-year moratorimn on all nuclear waste dmnping at sea, and declares the Association's opposition to the sub-seabed emplacement of any radioactive wastes. I have attached a copy of the resolution to my remarks and I request the assistance of the Council in securing the diplomatic approval necessary to fUlfil the resolution's aims. As reported to the Council by our Governor, the United States has exercised its option to lease lands on several of our islands~ most notably the island of Tinian. The 50-year lease enables the United States to carry BG/5

out its defence responsibilities on the leased lands. T!e have every reason to believe that the surrender of the lands - some of which are still privately owned - ,-rill proceed smoothly. The Horthern Harianas Government is committed to reaching fair and equitable settlements vith the lancl-ovmers involved. Although the United States Government is today leasinG lands with full compensation to the Conunonwealth people, it has yet to COqpensate fully the Corrmonwealth people for actions that it took while previously fighting anc.l occupying the Northern Hariana Islands. He humbly request that the Trusteeship Council once asain express its concern that war-damage claims have not yet been fully settled by the United States Government. 11y final concern is perhaps premature~ but its significance is too great to aefer comment on it to another time. I am deeply concerned that our chosen ~olitical status is under attack in the United States. In the case of the United States courts, a Federal Appeals Court recently declared unconstitutional an essential provision of the Covenant to Establish a ConunomTealth of the ITorthern Mariana Islancls in rolitical uni.on vTith the United States of ftJaerica. In the case of the United States Congress, a Committee of the House of Representative recently adopted leGislation which would unilaterally define a term used in a key provision of the Covenant. ~1ese provisions are essential ones vTithout which the Covenant woulcl never have been approved by the people of the !,rorthern Earianas. If upheld upon further revievT, the clecisions of the courts and the Congress uill undo years of negotiations on the status of the Harianas and will? in my opinion, create an immediate need to re-examine and renegotiate the pOlitical status of the northern I1ariana Islands. Although I am troubled by the recent decision of the Federal Appeals Court, I shall continue to seek termination of the Trusteeship Agreement at the earliest possible time so that the benefits of United States citizenship can be BG/5 T/PV.1545 13-15

enjoyed by the people of the Commomrealth. I would request ~ hovrever, that the termination agreement with the United lTations include a continuin~ obligation on the part of the United States and the Commomrealth of the Northern Nariana Islands to abicle by the Covenant. I am pleased to note that some progress towards that elusive Goal Has made this year. On behalf of the people of the Northern Marianas and the Third Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature, I want to say Slangkulo na si yuus maase ­ thank you - for the continuing interest and support that the Trusteeship Council has shown us. I look forward to continuing to ,~rk with the Council for an early termination of the trusteeship and the dawn of a neir political and economic era for the Northern Nariana Islands. Ny colleague from the Commomrealth Legislature, the Honourable Olympio T. Borja, the President of the Senate, has some written testimony that I .rish at this time to submit for the record and request that it be made a part of my statement this afternoon.

The PRESIDENT: The Secretariat has indicatec1. to me that copies of the resolution will be duplicated and made available to members of the Trusteeship Council either tomorrow or on Vednesday. NR/haf/fms T/PV.1545 16 (The President)

I now call on ~~. Borja, President of the Senate of the Northern Marianas.

!J,r. BORJA (Special Adviser): It is an honour and a privilege to appear once a~ain before this body as President of the Senate of the Third Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature. I tal,e great pleasure in presenting to this Council a summary of the outstanding events which took place in the Counnonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands during the year under review. Before I begin addressing the issues I-Thich I have come here to discuss, let me extend my sincerest congratulations to you~ Sir, on your election as President and to ~. Poudade on his election as Vice-President of the fiftieth session of the Trusteeship Council. We look forward to working with you and the members of the Council in harmony under your leadership. I also have the honour of extending to each of the members of the Council the sincere greeting of hafa adai on behalf of our people in the islands, who have benefited a great deal from the great assistance they received from this body. I also wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the delegation of the Council that visited the Co~non,realth of the Northern Mariana Islands last year on the rigorous triennial Visiting Mission. He hope that its short visit was a most successful and pleasant one. Of course, we are most grateful to this body for haying exerted its influence in appropriate forums on behalf of our people of the commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, especially in areas pertaining to our hoped-for economic destiny. As I stated here last year, in discussing fisheries and economic zones, the CommomTealth of the Northern I1ariana Islands vlishes to have total jurisdiction over its ocean resources, both living and non-living, within 200 miles of its exclusive economic zone. This was, still is and will continue to be the position of the local government in the interest of protecting what I have regarded as the birthright of our people in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. J.JR/haf T/PV.15!~5 17 (Mr. Bor.ia, Special Adviser)

As we were last year, we are dtill encaGed in a legal tug of war with the Federal Government concernin~ ,rho has jurisdiction over the ocean resources 1rithin the waters surrounding the Northern Harianas. Fhile the Federal Government has the facility and resources to perpetuate confusion on the question of jurisdiction over our ocean resources by taking us on a long journey through its legal forest, it shoulCl be understood that our aiH is to reduce ,r,;raclually our total reliance on funds p,ranted by the Federal Government over a Given ueriod of timeo The applicability of the Fishery Conservation and l'tan8{sement Act in the Northern Harianas has been the subject of litieation and much controversy. So far no judicial decision has d.etermined conclusively whether or not it applies in the COD1L10mTealth of the l'Torthern 1.1arianas. Recently the United States Congress enacted Public Lfl.i'T 97-4530 uhich in effect anended certain provisions of the :Fishery Conservation and jlanagement Act to include the IQorthern l'larianas as a votinc; nember of the Hestern Pacific Fishery iIn.nac;ement Council and r,ave that body ;;authority Over the fisheries in the Pacific Ocean seauarc1 of such States and of the Com~on'Tealtho territories, and possessions of the United States in the Pacific Ocean area.:' ITot only 'l'TaS that undertal;:en without prior consultation llith the leadership of the Commonllealth of the Northern iIarianas, but it also does little to clarify 'whether or not the fishery Conservation and 1I8na~ement Act is currently applicable to the l'Torthern Harianas, although the legislative history of the Bill indicates that 'IThe Cmllilittee feels that it 'TaS the original intent of the Fishery Conservation and ilanac;el!lent Act that the management and conservation provisions of the said Act be applicable to

the waters surrounding the lTorthern jIarianas 0 nothing in the report indicates that Conr,ress intended the fishery Con3ervation and Hanagement Act to apply prior to determination of the Trusteeship Ac;reement;;. NR!haf T!PV.1545 18 (Mr. Bor.ja, Spec:ial Adviser)

I wish to note, for the record, that approval of the Covenant and the adoption of our Constitution did not end the Trusteeship Agreement. Therefore, in the light of that fact, it is our position that authority granted to the Western Pacific Fishery ~anaGement Council by pertinent provisions of Public Law 97-453 cannot be effective until the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas comes into being upon the termination. The 1Vestern Pacific Fishery Management Councilis authority is ccntingent upon the occurrence of that historic event. I also wish to note for the record that in March of this year the United States Government issued a proclamation asserting jurisdiction in an exclusive economic zone contiguous to the territorial sea of the United States over all national resources found within it. It is our considered view that the establishment of such a federal extended economic zone is inconsistent with the Commonwealth Submerged Lands Act - Public Law 1-23 - and the constitutional mandate that the marine resources " petroleum, ninerals and so on _. belong to the Commonwealth the Northern Marianas and its people and therefore should be developed for their benefit. Let me further point out that such an assertion by the United States Government at this juncture is also inconsistent with the provisions of the Covenant and the United Nations Trusteeship Agreement in that it is an expression of sovereignty prior to the termination of the Trusteeship Agreement and therefore runs contrary to section 101 of the Covenant, establishing the political relationship between the Northern Marianas and the United States Government. MeanWhile, it is a known fact that the development of commercial fisheries in the waters surrounding the ~orthern Mariana Islands is widely considered to be one of the most promising approaches to the economic advancement of the Commonwealth. Currently commercial fishery operations based in the Northern Marianas are quite limited, and the value of sea-food inports to our islands far exceeds the value of the local catch. NR/haf T/PV.1545 .19-20

He are a'Vre.re, however, of the potential for future development, as demonstrated by the high level of current activity by Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese fishing vessels in the waters adjacent to the Northern Marianas and by the substantial fisheries based in our islands before the Second \-Torld War. Statistics secured from the Japanese indicate that they alone harvest an average of 10,496 metric tons of tuna per year from vdthin 200 miles of our coast. Recent studies under the Central, Western and South Pacific Fisheries Development Act have revealed the potential of significant albacore resources in the ~estern Pacific, with estimates of an annual yield of between 16 ~nd 20 million pounds and a value of up to $23.4 million. That discovery has led the United States tuna fishing fleet to concentrate a na.jor part of its activities in the area, and nover 12 per cent of the entire United States tuna fleet, representing over 20 per cent of its capacity, has restricted its efforts to this areal/. It is now apparent to us l.hy the Federal Government continues to subor(linate our interest to the interest of the lJnited States Tuna Fishing Association. Already our islands see evidence of that commitment. In February of this year we welcomed a new tuna industry to Tinian Island, where a tuna trading and transshipment business has been established. Our early reports indicate that, in its first three weeks, about 5,500 metric tons were shipped. Clearly, tuna is- being €xpected from our waters in unprecedented quantities. SKI7lap T/pv.1545 21 (Mr. Borja, Special Adviser)

While we may not be shrewd analysts of international affairs as they relate to the Law of the Sea, we know for certain that under the principles of international law our people have a legitimate claim to the ownership, use and benefit of the surrounding sea and its resources, unlike other seafaring nations. Our people have throughout their history claimed, defended and harvested the marine resources of the ocean, extending to distances in excess of 200 miles. The original Chamorro population had a seafaring culture, and the Carolinian traditions of ocean ownership were adopted more than 100 years ago. We have therefore established legally defensible rights to marine resources for our people, and the Trusteeship Agreement reaffirms these rights and charges the United States Government as the Administering Authority with protecting our rights. The Commonwealth's Marine Sovereignty Act is in fact a timely expression of our right to the riches in the waxers that surround our islands. I am prompted to address the Council at length on this vital issue by our having seen the other three political entities in Micronesia negotiate lucrative fishing agreements with foreign fishing nations by which they permit foreign fishing in return for royalty payments. ~or instance, in April of last year Japan agreed to pay the Federated States of Micronesia approximately $2.5 million for one yearis fishing rights, in addition to $150,000 worth of fisheries-related goods and services. A similar agreement allows Japanese fishing boats to fish in waters of the Marshall Islands for one year in exchange for a cash payment of $1.25 million. Since other areas in Micronesia are able to realize substantial benefits from the sale of rights to foreign fishermen, it is our humble view that we should not be penalized for having chosen a closer political relationship with the United States Government. Exemption of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands from the ~ishery Conservation and Hanagement Act will allow us to participate in regional planning for the conservation and management of our most important marine resource and to derive a modest income from the ongoing exploitation of those resources. Were this not done, all concerned would be equally guilty of promoting and perpetuating what is known as subsistence affluence for the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas. SK/II/ap T/PV.1545 22 (Mr. Borja~ Special Adviser)

The other related issue of equal importance pertains to plans by the Government of Japan to dump low-level nuclear wastes in the Pacific Ocean ­ specifically, north of Maug Island in the Marianas chain. It is our understanding that the Government of Japan will be conducting a scientific study on how safe the containers they plan to use to store low-level nuclear material are. I wish to declare here and now that~ regardless of what that study may subsequently reveal as to how safe it is to use a certain type of container to store low-level nuclear wastes, we are not prepared to risk allowing the Government of Japan to dump its nuclear wastes in the pristine and resource~rich ocean that surrounds our islands. It is my considered opinion that if the Government of Japan can come up with the technology to use nuclear energy to fuel its power plants it should be equally capable of finding the technology to dispose of its wa.stes somewhere other than the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas. In no way would we even consider running the risk of giving any nation the opportunity to destroy the genetic future of our population. The records of the Legislature are replete with examples of our sentiments and ex~ressions regarding nuclear dumping. That view is even carried to the relatively young regional organization composed of lawmakers throughout Micronesia and known as the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL) , which recently adopted a resolution expressing the sentiments of lawmakers throughout the region relative to the dumping of nuclear and other toxic materials. Copies of these measures will be sent to the London Convention, which last Pebruary approved a resolution pertinent to global control of marine pollution. As part of our total effort to upgrade our poor economic standing, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, as a direct participant in the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures, fully supports a resolution recently adopted by that regional organization encouraging the United States Govermaent to adopt a trade policy for the Pacific basin similar to that it has adopted for the Caribbean basin. I might mention that island nations and territories in the region are excellent examples of some of the most underdeveloped areas in the world. We share a common problem: we each have a very weak economic development base. Our infrastructures are far from the full development that would allow them to support strong and permanent economic development. S':Jll/ap T/PV.1545 23 (Mr. Borja, Special Adviser)

It is our considered view that, if President Reagan recognizes the needs of the Caribbean nations, the Commonwealth and the rest of the emerging island nations in the region can easily establish their own critical needs in order to justify their benefiting from an emergency financial assistance programme, under the United States President's comprehensive trade policy, similar to the arrangements made with the Caribbean basin nations. In a nutshell, we ask the Council to assist us in this regard by exerting its influence once again upon the United States Government to extend such financial assistance to the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas and other entities throughout Micronesia. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands also subscribes to an APIL resolution which would be instrumental in directing all efforts towards the establishment of a regional airline for the Pacific basin. It is the sense of lawmakers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands and throughout the region that only through such a system can we have some measure of control of the operation and management of an airline to suit the true needs of our island's citizens. We fully intend to play an active role by intervening with the airlines to reduce air fares and improve their services. We applaud the action of the Pedera1 Government in exercising its option relative to the Tinian land-lease agreement. We are especially grateful for its prompt delivery of the money, totalling $33 million, which will be used to compensate those people on Tinian whose lands are affected by the lease agreement. The Marianas Public Land Corporation is charged with the responsibility for negotiating with landowners as far as the value of the land is concerned. v1hi1e there may initially be problems between the r1arianas Public Land Corporation and the landowners, we are optimistic that any concern the latter may feel can be alleviated in an amicable manner. We will work together with all concerned to ensure that problems arising from the current negotiations are resolved in the most reasonable manner possible. The one long-standing issue that I wish to bring once again to the Council's attention relates to the unresolved Micronesian war claims totalling $24.3 million under Title I. We need the assistance of the Council and that of the Department of State in persuading the Government of Japan to deal accommodatingly with our SK/ll/ap T/PV.1545 24-25 (~r. Borja, Special Adviser)

concerns so that this painful chapter in our history may be closed. We venture to say that we will accept the Government of Japan's co-operation in this area even if it has to be in the form of economic assistance and goods and services. We certainly look forward to the United States Congress accepting the United States Government's share of responsibility so that this long-standing issue may be resolved once and for all. Our unwavering determination to see that justice is done to our people in regard to the unresolved portion of Micronesian war claims is based upon the conviction that we were innocent bystanders in a war designed basically for empire-building, and that in the process lives were lost and property destroyed. Although our pleas appear to have fallen on deaf ears, we are still optimistic and remain determined to bring about the final resolution to this issue. I might add that recently the Government of Japan began extending economic assistance to members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and third-world countries such as China, South Korea and other east Asian countries in compensation for the destruction of lives and properties it caused during the war in the Pacific. If that Government can extend such assistance to ASE~T countries, such economic co-operation can also be expanded to the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas and Micronesia. T/PV.1545 26

The question pertaining to the termination of the Trusteeship Agreement has been the subject of such discussion since portions of the Covenant took effect upon its approval by our people and the establishment of our constitutional Government. Our concern, as I discussed the last time I appeared before this body, centres ona specific provision in the Covenant affecting our achieving United States citizenship,which is contingent upon termination of the Trusteeship Agreement. Briefly, many of our people working on the mainland have run into difficulty in terms of getting promotion in jobs that are covered by the United States Civil Service system. This is just one of the many problems that our people now residing in the various States are experiencing as a result of that provision in the Covenant, which can take effect only upon termination of the Trusteeship ~greement. He are not in any way insensitive to the negotiations beteeen the other political entities in the region with the Federal Government. He are only too aware of the fact that until such time as their status agreements are approved by the United States Congress and their constituents this issue cannot be discussed with legitimacy. It is an issue with which we have to live, although we are not averse to exploring other legal avenues to achieve our desire respecting United States citizenship. Those are some of the basic issues that concern us today, and we look to and rely upon Council members and their bold sense of leadership to assist us in these areas in the inunediate future. I thank you, Sir, for the honour of allo1ling me to present to the Council the problems and aspirations of our people, especiallY in the area of e~onomic development. Some of these issues may be beyond what is legally permitted us under the Covenant Agreement. But we feel it most appropriate to convey to the Council our experience in these areas and our aspiration to achieve relative economic self··sufficiency over a period of time. RH/8 T/PV.1545 21

1'E~_ PRESJDJ?NT: I nOvT call upon Vice.,President Alfonso Oi terong, Special Representative of the Administering Authority.

~tr. OITERONG (Special Representative): The fiftieth session of the Trusteeship Council marks my third - and, I hope, last - appearance before it since Palau became constitutionally organized as an internally self-governing Republic nearly two and a half years ago. It is therefore a personal honour for me to convey to the Council once again warm greetings from my people. On their behalf and on behalf of President Remeliik, I congratulate you, Mr. President, and Vic e·~President Poudade, on your election to preside over the deliberations of this year's session.

Be~ore I proceed further, I should like to introduce the official members of my delegation. Hith us today from the Olbiil Era Kelulau - the Palau National Congress - are Senator Abel Suzuky; Floor Leader of the House of Delegates. Laurentino Ulechong House Resources and Development Co~mittee Chairman, Johnny Reklai, Legislative Budget Officer Janathan Maui and Legislative Counsel Robert Rigler. The President of the Senate, Kaleb Udui, was supposed to be with us this morning, but he has not yet arrived and will perhaps arrive sometime this evening. Representatives of the Executive branch who are here with us are Trade Relations and Status Negotiations Ambassador, Lazarus Salii, IIinister of Administration ,. Haruo Hillter; . Acting Attorney-General, Victoria Uherbelau; ahdLegal Counsel, Michael Mirando. Mr. Hokkons Baules, an observer from the business sector, is also with us. As they did last year, High Chief and !Coror State Mayor Yutaka Gibbons and others from Palau ilill appear as petitioners. In keeping with the Council's tradition, I shall report on major accomplishments in political, economic and social developments in Palau during the year under review. I shall also attempt to highlight what we intend to achieve in the waning days of the Trusteeship in Micronesia. RH/I3/haf T/PV.1545 28-30 (Hr. Oiteronp.:, Special Adviser)

The single most significant political achievement in the Republic is the plebiscite on the Compact of Free Association. Because of the importance of that event, it took nearly two weeks after the 10 February 1983 plebiscite for the votes to be counted and tabulated. On 22 February 1983 President Remeliik proclaimed and certified as official the results of the said plebiscite on the Compact of Free Association. The Council having sent an Observer Ifission to witness this historic occasion, it is not necessary for me to elaborate on the matter. I should like, however, to extend my Government's deep gratitude to Vice-President Poudade and his team for their hard work and dedication in carryine out their assi~ned task. I look foniard to reading the Mission's report. Ambassador Salii will have a statement to make on the ~ompact of Free Association and its attendant plebiscite. Suffice it for me to state categorically that the people of Palau have freely exercised their sovereign right to self-determination, as required of them by the United Nations Charter and the Trusteeship Agreement. The 62 per cent favourable vote on the Compact clearly expresses the wishes of my people. It is therefore the official position of the Republic of Palau that the Compact of Free Association has been duly approved by the people of Palau, irrespective of the outcome of the referendum on the subsidiary agreement concerning nuclear and harnlful substances. I am happy to report that a special task force has been established to work with Ambassador Salii in facilitating the implementation of the Compact of Free Association in Palau. The second major political development concerns the progress in or~anizinr State constitutional Governments. To date, eight of the 16 former municipalities are now functioning as State Governments under their respective Constitutions. Four others have approved their own Constitutions, which await only to be voteo_ upon. A constitutional convention is currently under way in one municipality, while two others have adopted enabling legislation authorizing their own conventions. Only Kayangel Nunicipality has not taken steps towards orp:anizing i·tself as a State Government. I am confident, hmvever, that it too will have achieved statehood by the 31 December 1984 deadline. AW/9/td T/PV.1545 31 (Mr. Oiterong, Special Adviser)

Another significant political accomplishment is in the area of legislative enactment by the national legislature. The passage of the Palau National Communications Corporation Act has made it possible for the Palau earth satellite station to commence operations on 15 November 1983. Our telecommunications system is now managed and operated by the Corporation's board of directors, which is independent of any agency of the national Government. The Palau National Service Act has resulted in the Palau National Service Commission's actively conducting personnel grievance hearings, as well as formulating personnel rules and regulations governing personnel administration in the national Government. Yet another legislative milestone is the Palau Visitor Authority Act establishing semi-autonomous tourism authority to run our tourist industry. I am confident that the Authority will step up the promotion of tourism both within Palau and abroad and will bring in more than the $1.9 million generated last year. I am happy to report also that the Senate of the Olbiil Era Kelualau - the national Congress ­ during its recently adjourned session approved presidential appointees to man Palau liaison offices in Washington D.C. and Guam. The last and perhaps the most significant achievement in legislative enactment in terms of Palau 1 s future development is the passage in record time - it took five consecutive calendar days - of Republic of Palau Public Law No. 1-54. This law authorizes our President to enter into Government-to-Government loan agreements, on public credit of the Republic, in order to finance development programmes and projects. More specifically, however, Public Law No. 1-54 paves the way for the President to consummate the long-term, multi-million-dollar financial package with lending banks of Great Britain for the construction of a 16-megawatt power plant by the International Power Systems Company. As members of the Council are aware, the Republic of Palau has been discussing this project with United Kingdom bankers, as well as with the Export Credits Guarantee Department of the United Kingdom Government for nearly two years. We plan soon to conclude these negotiations and execute the loan agreements and other associated documents. This is not the first time this power project has been mentioned in this Council. Last year we announced our intention of following in the footsteps of our colleagues from the Republic of the Marshall Islands by pursuing th~ same deal. The Marshallese people are now enjoying sufficient and reliable electriJ power provided by their own power station. We hope to be able to do the same and we commend them for their success. A'tV/9/pt

(t1r._9iteron~. Special Adviser)

The Administering Authority has been aware of our discussions on the proposed power deal as well. Indeed, this time last year High Commissioner VcCoy had this to say on this matter:

11 ••• the Government of the Marshall Islands is through its mm efforts al10ut to complete a new and elaborate Bunl~er C power plant with the assistance of Great Britain and the concurrence of the Administering Authority. The Republic of Palau is following the ~1arshalls' example in exploring the possibility of doing the same. 11 (J'/PV.1523, p. 29) ~~ trust that the position of the Administering Authority in endorsing our efforts in connection with the International Power Systems Company project has not changed and that it will not in any way interfere vrith, frustrate or circumvent our efforts. He in Palau see the li€"ht at the end of the tunnel vrith regard to this deal. He seek the support and blessing of the Council and of our Administerine: Authority. We now turn to achievements in economic development. Just last month the Republic of Palau signed diplomatic notes with the Government of Japan for foreifn aid for a coconut plantation rehabilitation valued project of more than 0US I million. l'Je thank the Government of Japan for this second g-rant-in-aid and 1001;: fornard to its technical assistance in implementing the coconut project. In the field of airline services, I am most pleased to report that Air Nauru has instituted weekly flights from Palau to Manila and back. This means that Palau is no longer a dead end street in commercial air service terms ovring to this very welcome addition of another airline. We are still a victim of the United States cabotage rule according to which passengers within ~~icronesia cannot be off· -lano_ed in Palau. Houever this problem can and 1.ill be resolved during the post· trusteeship period. Also during the year under review, President Remeliik made his first state visit. to the Republic of the Philippines c and had the honour of calling on President 1larcos. He are hopeful that this goodwill mission 1dll help our future political and economic relations with the Philippines. Two months ago Palau joined the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Kiribati in concluding a fisheries agreement with the American Tunaboat Association (ATA). Now ATA purse··seiners are permitted to fish .rithin our respective 200-mile exclusive economic zones. AW/9/td T/PV.1545 33-35 (Mr. Oiteron~. Special Adviser)

Members of the Council have witnessed the second issue of Palau commemorative postage stamps this morning. We hope that representatives will purchase some as souvenirs. The first issue appeared on 10 March and the stamps are almost all sold out now. I have already reported that nearly $2 million has been generated through tourism and tourist-related activities. A 50-room hotel is under construction in the State of Airai and is scheduled to open by the end of the year. A ground­ breaking ceremony for the Palau-Tokyo hotel has been held on the island of Arkebesang and that hotel will provide an additional 100 rooms. It is planned to build a third 50-room hotel this year as well. A high-quality restaurant has just been completed at the foot of K-B bridge. EMH!pt T!PV.1545 36 (!J!'.:_Oiterong, Special RepresentativeJ

The project for the extension of the airport was completed two weeks ago. He now have a 7,600..foot runway to accommodate much larger commercial airliners. By the time we return we will be arriving at new terminal facilities which we hope will be fully operational before the end of the year. The Palau National Development Bank is fully organized with a very competent President. For several months now it has been receiving and evaluatinc loan applications. Two weeks ago it awarded its first development loan of $20.000 to a "roman building a small apartment complex. With respect to social and educational achievements, I am happy to announce that 10 Hay "TaS proclaimed Old~Age Day and '\'las commemorated vrith colourful floats, traditional dances and festivities in honour of our senior citizens. Social groups and private associations have started fund-raising activities for the promotion of Palauan culture and tradition. Lessons are being taught in high schools in basket-vreaving; arts and crafts ana. traditional chants and dances, in order to preserve our indigenous heritage. Fhile '\ore pride ourselves on the proportionately larr;er number of hirth· school

students who graduate 0 ue still face the perennial probleIY'. of insufficient scholarships or student loans for the graduates to pursue their college education abroad. As reported last year, the agricultural trainin~ con~ucted by the Or~anization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) is successful. Students; both male and female, continue to be sent to Japan under the programme and have returned to apply new farming techniques in the field. A small-scale experimental project in [':rovrinv rice has recently yielded hundreds of pounds of hi~h-grade crops. Simila.r projects are under ".'fay in several states on our major island of Babeldaob.

I shall nOyT revie,·T \That "iTe feel oU,2'ht to be done during the transition from trusteeship to free association. First, we once more appeal to the Council for assistance in getting our Administering Authority and Japan to pay the 24 million dollars) worth of adjudicatel "Tar· damage claims to our people. All attempts to resolve this lonr:-standing issue have proved to be of no avail. vTe have reason to believe that our chances of succeeding are better while we remain a Trust Territory than they will be aftervrards . EHH/pt

(Mr. Oiterong o Special Representatiy~)

We seek the Councilis assistance in supporting our repeated request to the Aoministering Authority for the training of our foreign affairs staff and personnel. The United States has been generous in letting us play a limited role in the conduct of foreign affairs since we became a constitutional Govern~ent" but this povernmental responsibility will automatically devolve upon us with the coming into effect of the Compact of Free Association. All we ask is that we be prepared to assume this vital task as equals with our colleagues in diplomatic relations. He understand that an inter-·agency group is being formed to serve as a liaison arm of the United States Government for the post-trusteeship era. The initial responsibility of that body is to make the necessary preparations for implementation of the Compact. He propose that that af!ency ancl our special task force should join forces in undertaking a joint review as to what each party needs to accomplish during the transition. I believe there is much to be gained by co-,ordinating our efforts and co~operating vrith each other, and the time to do it is now. An example of a specific area needing co-ordination is the possihl€ overlapping of the current fiscal-year process with that of Compact funding grants. Machinery must be devised as early as possible ,. so as to avoiC! unnecessary obstacles when the change-over takes place. Another area meriting consultation among ourselves is the actual termination of the trusteeship. He need to know what role 0 other than that of ratifying the Compact of Free Association 9 we are expected to play in the process. In short, the end of an era is upon us. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us concerned to map out a course of action that we must collectively take to ensure a smooth and orderly transition to the free-association status arrangement. I cannot conclude my statement without commending the performance of the Administering Authority during the year under review. Palau? like many of our neighbours in the Pacific basin, suffered four months of severe drought. The entire population of Koror was without T/PV.151:5 33

runninc: water and a vater ctistribution system vas orr'anized. T]le Ei{'~h Cornr.1issioner came c;.uick1y to our rescue by providinc; us uith a hir

The PRESIDEITT: I now call upon Tir. Lazarus Ofl.1ii _ /\mbassacl.or for Status lTegotiations and Trade Relations of the TIepublic of Pa1nu an0. Special Adviser of the ftd~inistering Authority.

I have the honour to address '-., the Council once age,in this year. H;y name is Lazarus Salii ~m(l. I represent the Republic of Pa1au in the status neeotiations with the United States. It is the future political status of Pa1au to nhich .r vish briefly to adc.ress myself this afternoon. ' On 10 February of this year more than 62 per cent ~he electorate in Pa1au approved free association as out1inec1 in the Co~pact'of Free

Association vith the Dnitecl. States. 17hi1e a IJ1a.iority also approved, section 311~ of the Compact re1atinc; to harmful substances, this nas not EliJi/pt T/PV.15L!5 39· ~·O

sufficient to neet the constitutional requirements of at least 75 per cent ap:!!roval for iJ.lplementation; therefore, the Corn.pact of Free Associat:i.on accorcl.ine; to its mm terns and in accorc1e,nce vrith the provisions of the Constitution )f the TIepublic, has been duly approved by the voters of Palau. irhile the subsicl.iary agree:P.'.ent concerning nucleex and other harr,l ful substances uas rejectecl. by then. ID-1S/ll/fms T/PV.1545 41 (Mr. Salii, Special Adviser)

Any Government which purports to represent a people in a democratic fashion has the moral obligation, as well as the legal obligation, to abide by the desires of its people as expressed in a freely conducted plebiscite. The will of the people of Palau on the question of political status, as manifested by the results of the plebiscite on the Compact) ,vas simply that thEY approved ef free association as the desired political status, to supplant the present status under the Trusteeship Agreement, but without the presence of any harmful substances, as set forth in section 314 of the Compact of Free Association and its subsidiary agreement. With that in mind, the Government of the Republic of Palau presented this expression of the wishes of its people to the Government and the representatives of the United States. To the lasting credit of the United States and of the spirit of democracy it represents, the United States has accepted the decision of the people of Palau and has communicated to my Government its readiness to dispense with the provisions of ~ section 314 of the Compact. It remains for the Government of Palau to take whatever steps are required under our Constitution and our laws to implement the Compact without the provisions which were rejected by the voters. To this end, President Remeliik has established a special task force consisting of representatives from the Olbiil Era Kelulau - the Palau Con~ress - and other segments of the leadership of the population to identify and recommend steps which could be taken to ensure the early implementation of the Compact of Free Association between the Republic of Palau and the United States. With the assistance of this presidential task force and with the Administering Authority's recognition and acceptance of the results of the plebiscite, I am prepared for and look forward to an early meeting with Ambassador Fred Zeder and to the resumption of negotiations with him to find the best and quickest means of implementing the Compact of Free Association. Together with other members of the presidential task force, I am prepared to proceed from New York to Washington this week or next week to resume these negotiations with Ambassador Zeder and the members of his team. I wish to close by extending By personal congratulations to you, Sir, on your election as President of the Council, as well as to Mr. Paul Poudade on his excellent performance during his term as President of the Council. I wish also to express my thanks to the head of the United States delegation, Ambassador Sherman, and to High Commissioner Janet McCoy, for once again making it possible for me to join with my Vice-President in addressing this Council. EMS/ll/fms T/PV.1545 42-45 The PRESIDENT: I thank Ambassador Salii for the kind words he addressed to me. I now call on Mr. Asterio Takesy, Deputy Secretary of .External Affairs, of the Federated States of Micronesia and Special Representative of the Administering Authority.

Mr. TAlCESY (Special Representative): Mr. President, on behalf of the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, I sincerely thank you and your colleagues for the opportunity to ~Qdress the Council today. I should like to offer you my congratulations on your election to the presidency of the Council. We look forward to your support and assistance in our efforts towards solving the problems that stand in the way of self-government. ~'Te wish also to offer our hearty congratulations to Mr. Poudade on his election as Vice···President and to express our deep appreciation of his very valuable assistance to the Federated States. At this time, I should like to indroduce the other members of the delegation of the Federated States of Micronesia. vTith me are Hr. Epal lIon, Federated States representative in Washington, D.C., and Mr. James Stovall, our Washington-based lawyer. I hope that members of the Council will allow me to deviate from the body of this report in order to register the deep regret of the Federated States of Iucronesia at the untimely passing of a very dear friend, counsellor and benefactor, the Honourable Philip Burton, United States Congressman from California. ~{e wish to pay a tribute to him and to join the good people of California - indeed the people of the 1vhole of the United States - in mourning the death of a national leader who has laboured arduously on behalf of our people. Mr. Burton was responsible for many of the positive reports that we have presented to this Council in times past. He championed our cause in the United States Congress, helping to bring about major progress in Micronesia. vTe shall miss him sorely. We are most pleased to report that at long last the negotiations on future political status have come to a mutually satisfactory conclusion, In this regard, we commend Ambassador Zeder, who has used his diplomatic skills to spur on the negotiations. T/PV .151~5 lfh

(~lr. TaJr:esy to. S"Decial ~enresentAtive)

As rerresentatives may know, 21 June 1983 has heen proclai~e0 by President ~osiwo Nakay~ma as Plebiscite D~y. Our Plehiscite Co~nission has co~~enced its vork to inform the peol)le of the 'PeC'erated States of Micronesia A.bout the rortD8ct of Pree Association. TA.sk forces are currently in the field, and the Plebiscite Commission is monitorinG the infornation ~ro~ramme closely to netermine its effectiveness. T'Te invite the mernbers of tbe Council to cm"€' to our isla.nd np.tion am' observe our ~lebiscite. We believe that this plebiscite will signal the desire of our peonle to end the present temporary arr~ngement for their ~overnance. After this vote "re will look to the Council for assistance in actinG exrerHtiously and fa.vourahly on the outcome of this nlebiscite. The Trusteeshin must Quicl'.1:r come to 8 close shoulC' tbe J'eo"!;lle of the 'PeCleraterl States of 1'1icronesia rati fy the Cor.rract. To highliGht for the Council the major problems and accomnlishments in

~upre)11e t'he 'Pederated States of f'licronesia) as rerortec1. last yeA.r 0 our

Court is fullY orr;anized, certified ano. functional. Van anc'!. Truk have organized their mm state courts, Ponal'e and Kosrae A.re l-,rogressinf, an<'1 should have their o~m organized fairlY soon. We have not yet, however, reached cOMplete agreement uith the Trust Territory Hie:-h Court concerning the division of juriSdiction over cases .. uhich reflects the level of self"F,overnment achieveil Trhen

1-Te aC'onteC' our Constitution. On the nolitical front, develo~ment of the four state Governments continues at a steady pace. By the end of the year all of the states will have a.rafteo their mm constitutions for ratifica.tion by their citizens. Our four state Legislatures continue to ~row in eXJ'erience. Particular A.ttention is focused on enFl.ctin9-: enablinr, leris18.tion for the i7'1.nlementation of their mm constitutions. At the same time, they are attempting to a.ssure the maintenAnce of needed services for the people. These legislative b00ies 'ha.ve long heen active in the public education of our people on new and anticin~.tf>0 political developments. In particular) they have Clevoted a great (leal of attention to the Comnact of 'Pree Association. S"f/12 T/PV.1545 47 (~r. Takesvo Snecia1 Representative)

Th' Cong!', ss of th.- F('cl,'"'rat~d Stetps of 1i'!.ocr()ll~si~' Rlso has focusr- d on. the C011.pnct of Frf'<=' Assoc:~p.tiol1. n.:mbr-:l:'s and staff hr'l.V'" d",vot"d hm\" allcl .ffort to the l,ub1ic information prcgrtmrle. It has enacted , . 1 t' .cetns.. #'l 10n. such A.S the hanJdnr: lair. It hf'l.s also en::lcter'1. sta.tutes to fl( sh out the: Ft-d(rntt"d Stf1.t0S of Micronr-s:"A. Constitution. As rf!portC'd to you last yFnr, Wt= hr-w,: sought A.nd gained m~'TJ1.b("rshtp

;';.n Fl numb~-r of r ;";:,~ol1al f!.nd f.ntt'rnFl.tiol1fl.l orgfl.n:l'.zCltirms thFl,t I'll'<- nf

('cnnomic:> pol~~ticftl ~ FInd flocial 5.mportI'lJJc(" to us. Sinct'; OUl' lnst reT'ort vTr- hr-wC" [Sainr-d full mfomb(,'rship :1.11 th~ Forum F~sh~:r:';- s Agf'ncy (FFA). In our Htt'-mrr',:. to pl'ot0.ct a.nd mfl.nflGf OUl.' natm'a.l srtl )~(".sourcC"s b","ttpJ:', wc. h~).v\o jo:...n,:d vTith s(verAl n("ighbour:~11g ifllr1l1d coulltrif's :~11 fOJ:m~.ng 11. r, ~iol1al ar-reep.!.ent, kno'HP a.s the )\'l'auru Agreement.

Int:=-rnctioll wa:h m("mbr-l" countr:i>s hflS broFl(l:"'l1pd nul.' :~J1t:")'na.tinl1a.l

)?frsonnb:ty. Bp·)wf:i:.ts from our mf-mbf-rship ::'n tb:- S('o vnr:tous orglmizf1:t-.ions 1vill gr,.';~.tly contribute to th('- d,o-vflopmf-nt of nUl' nation. The: trfl,~.J"!ing oppor-t:unitic S Rnd t~ chni-clll ftRsistancr- th," or~f'ln~.zflt~~ons A,nd OU1' PfI,cific Hnd Asian nei:;hbourinr: countr:::''''s mnkp 8.vHilabl"'· to us haV0 opt-uccd nF-W hm.':;'zol1.S Al1d Flugmontt- d the' AAJ'linisterinr, Authority's eoffort in th:ts r::gflrd. Thp Fpdf'rl'l.tp 0. Sta.tes of Hicronpsia Government uishp's to J:'\- siste-r its pm'ticulHJ:' r.rppr" cin.t:l.o)'l to thp Gov:C.J:'lJIl1~nts nf Austrf'li::l, find thp· Nc-therlnnds foJ:' th?ir GP112rous scholArship grflnts. Furth("r, sinc(- 1980, thp GOVf-rrJTIlt"·nt of LTaT'l'll1 bas r:enerous1y U.Ol1l'·I.tf'G. much··needed hl"avy ,oquipmFllt A.nd cold storR.W ffl.cilitie,s to l'1'ssist

::.11 J.'nad construction, arricultural dAvelopmf'nt and l1utrition improvemn1t. Th~ F~d(rf1tpd Stf1X~S of Micron~siR Gov~rnmpnt iR ~xprpmr-ly gr~t\-ful for this g:;.sturi" of Idndl1\: ss Hnd fri:"ndship. As the Council is awarp, the United States has also increased its SY/12 T/PV.1545 48

(Mr. Takesy, Special Representative)

assistance to the Federated States of Hicronesia within the

Pfl8t. y(Elr thi:-ouC;h its vflrious flC;t~l1.C~~\-s, SUCI1. rl.S th:o :Cc0nomic HEd Soc;;'n.l Commission for Asill Rnd t.hf Pflcif~c (ESCAP), the United Nations Development Programme (illlDP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and United NHtions Voluntf-0rs (mw) , to n8mi" a fnr. U(' Ar~"' ln0st grf'trful f0r this help find look fnr substfl.nJGial fl,dditioual Supp0rt to prppnr,· us adequately for

s0If-govr-rn.mo:r(-. In p~1rt:~culflr, Hi' SH-k hr-Ip f"t'oIlJ. thr- Counc:·':.1 end its m:ombpr

countl':1.,:,-s in tb, Hl.'i"f1 of forf~.Gn Sf-:rvicF- And int.<,rnnt.iol1.f1l affairs. Tb:- FEd",rat -d Stf1ti" s of Hicron'"sifl n£l,s fllsn 1[4.borEc1 lOl1~ nnd hF.l.rd to Pl'otpct th0- :1.ntt'·'r(- st of its p(',0plf- a.t tbF-. Uni.tt"d Hf1.tio:n~ L(1.1f of thf- Sl~E1. COJ1ffJ.'(·l1c(- fl.l1d was dfl::e;htrd uhcn t.hp COlJf~r(-'nc;:- culminfl,t",d in t.h(- FinAl Act and law of the Sea Treaty. He dispatched a delegation to Honte{!o Bay charp-ed 1·rit.h thf IHFl.l1datf to siGn both documr-ut.s. To our dJ.sJT1f1.y and disappointment,

1ft'" l;,arl1pd that th<."- Unii~(-d Stntc s tnli:l"'s thf view thf!t br-cAlls(- u~ I1.r:" still under Trustp..fsh~p we could sign only the Final Act, which we

did J but not i~hf mor' ~Jnportant Treaty. We look forward to adding

our s:'.. r~l1ntur(~ to thE" Trrf1.ty Ht thf (-f1rlil~st p('\ss:~bl'" dfl.t,~. By Govl"rnmlC'ut. J

OnCF Elgfl.in, officially s~~ks your f1SS:l.stflncp, in its C'ffort to sign th2 Unit~d Hn.tiolls Lf1.w of thr· Sr~R. Tl'fHty bpforp t.t"rm.:i..nntion of thr

Trustpp..ship. The rcsou."t'c,::·s of thf S(,El, 'l-lithin our jurisdict:.. ol1. bplong to thE' pC"opl(- of thr-- Fro.l=rf1tl."'d Stntp-s of HicrOllf'f::1.n. For th\" Unitfd Stf\.te-s to pr"-'vFnt our signntur:-o. fl.t this tim-" is cont.rfIJ~y to i.ts obligations as Trustee.

Our (',conoLlic dp-vf-IOpIDr ut slowly pX'nr;rF sSP S f1.S thE" Trust TEl':'ritm~y of the: Pacific Islands f:'i..v(· -yp-n:r C8.pitfl,1 IJYl:p'rov~m(nt Prog:r.l'lmmr- (CIP) nears conclusion. As we reported to you in years past and most recently last year, the f:'i..VI- -y'r>.r CIP i·TiII not f1Mquf1.tp-ly RY.'IlJ. us with thl' bf!sic 8Y/12 T/PV.1545 49-50

:Lni'rCl!'ltructUJ~( upon vThich lIllIUftn sr-rV::'CfS I'lnd t='cc'll1omic d<",v'2:1opm\nt must dE-;ppnd. This:ls th,"- CA.Sf:':; bz~ caus\? th~ pJ:'ogrflmm0 i!'1 br-hind schpdulf, ml'ljor projl';cts hfl.v", bpr-n l'C'f:copEd dmn~vTHrd to a poi.l1t whr-re thew no longE"r s"rv~ the purpose:' for which thr-,y lnT,;' or:"'Gil1f.t,lly ccnceived, Hnd thf' most sev(-,J~e

J S110rtcoming is the fRct tha,t th:- f i v(' -yP,Hr CIP W'l.S intpnd;'d to s<"'rv," mos .; of H5.cr()1l~f':f.I'I.. yE-t only Jehp Stl'ltf cC",ntF-X's sbmd to bpnpfit. Npflrly ol1(--hRlf of om' totfll population in thE out,ly~ng f1rfflR and out(":;~ islands :~s being ignor0d. Manifestations of th~ shoJ:'tcomings of the Proe;ramme hAY" alres,dy surfacc--d in fill four stat.,c-s on P):'oj~cts thl'l.t have bp'r-n complftrd. For il1stancf, 11011f of our Rtatp s hflV('- eDough Wfl.tE"J.' storage capac::ty to la.st mnr,~ thfl.n a month. vIf' a.rE" currf'ntly ;i.n the fifth Illonth of 1'1. SF-ViSrf' drought. As a. rc-suIt, R.ll of our stFl,t,cs htwp hRd to implF-mt=:nt S(-Yfrr­ w-lter rntioning (lS {o-flrly 88 thc:, (""nd of ths first mC'lUt.h of ",(:h<" drought. Th(- Gow;J.~nor of Yfl,p Stfl.tr-, thf HonourablF' John Mnngcfc:l'l, found it n~cf;ssary to :Lssu\" thr follmTing bulli."ting to trfl,vPlprs to Yfl,p in loctll n\"ws media: ;;Yap is eX'Periencin~ a slight water shortaf;e problem, ~nd Yl'1p i-T('lcomiCs you, but bring your own wfl.t(~r supply for our only

.w.t,'r resf'rvoir iFl compl(".tl~ly dry. if Hp: wns not joking. Truk statp could only mustpr all hoUl.~ a day. 11ho vTould hav('; pv(>r drff:lmcd of

Ilr8.in-:f0l'fst" Pona-pp State bring on imt2'r hours. Evr-n [1.6 I spr-R.k, POtlnpf is sti.ll cm a oDE'-hour-a-da.y Wfl.t,~X' SChf dulp. P~l'haps KOElra~ fFt.r,:.s the best, owing to its rE'lt-ltivl2-ly small populnti.on a.nd l1f1.tuJ"fll i?ndol'mliCnt of fr.",sh i-mtF.r; llr-vFrthe-l", ss, it. too, is 011 lvf-lt(-'r hours. DG/13 T/PV.1545 51 (~~. Takesy, Specia~ RepresentatJ~~)

On a more positive note ~ paved roads have finally found their way into the Federated States of lIicronesia ~ but only to the State centres. Of

Ponape's 51 miles of primary roads only 11 miles are paved. Truk is nO.1 paving its roads, but it .·rill face a similar situation as Ponape: and the same is true for Yap and Kosrae. Although all the State centres have electricity, it is confined to those centres. Two years ago an additional 32 miles of electrical lines were installed in Ponape that stretched a eood distance into the outlyinG areas. However, to this day they have not been energized as existing electrical generators in all our States have long been taxed to the maximum capacity leaving no reserve to feed those other lines. The existins sewer systems serve very few people; needed laterals to residential areas are non-existent and, of course~ the absence of storase facilities means there is little water to put them to Good use. Those are but a few examples of ,n1at we view as deficiencies of the five-year capital improvement programme. I hope that the Council will agree that the examples are essential to economic development, vital to health care and basic to human life. The current cholera epidemic in Truk is a sad testinmny to all that. Hhen the cholera epidemic broke out in Truk durinG the past year, "re received assistance from a number of sources, including the United States~ in halting the spread of the disease by medical treatment procedures and emerGency sanitation measures. But, as we have pointed out to the United States Congress, the threat of the disease will continue not only in Truk but also throughout the Federated States of Hirconesia until such time as adequate water, sewer and sanitation facilities can be installed both in the State centres and in the outer islands. The Federated States of I1icronesia cannot hope to exist as a modern society vrith this dagger hanc;ing over its head. In addition to the tremendous cost in huraan sufferinG, the impact of the Truk epidemic has been felt in the suppression of all areas of economic activity, including the distribution of agricultural and fisheries products, handicrafts and tourism. I3G/13 T/PV.1545 52

The airport runway in Kosrae is nearins completion, however, there is indication that the United States Federal Aviation Agency may not certify it for normal use because of serious deficiencies. lIe have done our best with our oym resources to meet the serious shortfalls. Yet, I regret to say, it .Till not do. The Federated States of Hicronesia looks to the Council for whatever assistance it can give. Happily, I am able to report that my Government has achieved some prop:ress in our development. Fisheries agreements with certain fishing associations of the United States, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines have trought in modest sums. He are haIlP y to share our resources and assist the economies of friends and neighbours. Freezing and cold-storage facilities have been increased throughout the Federated States of Micronesia. Development plans for the state and national Governments "rill be completed this August. Energy development and employment training plans have been published. Designs for two hydro-electric units in Ponape are under way; the one at Nanpil River iTill be of 1.7 mer;awatts, capable of producinp: 3.2 million kiloWR.tt hours R. year or about 20 per cent of Ponape State's annual power demand. In addition to the large Hanpil system, design work continued on tiVO smaller systems: a 50-kilm-Tatt project for Kosrae' s I.Ialem River and a 15··kilm-Tatt unit for the Nand River in Ponape. A total of 10 solar Ilhotovoltaic refrigeration-lighting systems were installed in Truk and Ponape to light remote dispensaries and preserve critical medical sUIlplies. Yap has on order 13 similar units. Hind energy conversion, biomass and biogas systems are being tested and will soon be installed throughout the Federated States of Nicronesia. ProGress was made towards the metering of all government users of public utilities for planning and budgeting purposes, and much needed utility rate increases were effected in an effort to match the cost of enerGY production. Our emphasis on economic development "as not limited to energy development, for during the past year Truk achieved a major breakthrough in the preservation and processing of the seasonal breadfruit by the production of breadfruit flour that can be kept for up to a year. This is a boon to our outer islanders 0 whose nutrition depends heavily on that seasonal crop. BG/13 T/PV.1545 53-55 (Mr. Take~y. Snecial Rcnr0sentativ~)

Small industrial shops in Truk and Ponape have added new jobs~ new products, new ideas and more income to the private sector. They are producing locally made furniture from local timber. This is being complemented by the increased production of carved and woven handicrafts. Hith government assistance, guilds are being formed to increase production and quality control and to stabilize prices. As reported to the Council last year~ the Federated States of Micronesia Development Bank is fully operational and last year approved 24 individual loans totalling about $500,000. In July of this year, we are told~ the Bank ·Hill receive ~~3.2 million from the Trust Territory EDLF fund. i'Te commend. High Commissioner McCoy for her expeditious handling of the division of the fUnd. This will sti~ulate our economy and add growth to the private business sector. The existing banking law is being revie\ored by the International Honetary Fund (IrW) to assess its practicality in the interim and in the long run and to advise on waJ's to improve it. IHF has also begun to assist us in monetary control and fiscal matters. It is expected that this year several experts from II1F will con.plete in··country advisory visits to the Federated States of Micronesia. This much needed assistance idll prepare us to manage better our financial resources, for we strongly believe that sound financial management is essential to good government. "tIe truly \orelcome the help from IMF ana. are most thankful for it. .He should also like to commend the United States representative on the I}W Board for his sympathetic support. lmjtd TjPV .151.~5 56 (0r. Tal~esy, Special Representativ~)

Through funding from the United States Congress, the architectural design of the Federated States of Hicronesia capitol complex and the new campus for the College of l<1icronesia started this month and should be completed within one year. At present there is no funding for construction of both facilities. In this connection, while my Government expresses its deep appreciation for the generous support of the United States Congress in providing the architectural and engineering funding for the two projects, ire nevertheless seek the support of this Council for their actual construction. The Federated States of Hicronesia finally crossed the threshold of the tiJentieth century in telecommunications with the opening of the first Comsat standard B earth station on 25 lfurch 1903 in Ponape. Trw{'s station uas cODlluercially operational on 11 May and will be followed by Yap's on 14 June and Kosrae's in early September. Responsibility for all aspects of telecommunications in the Federated States of Micronesia is vested with the Federated States of Hicronesia Telecommunications Corporation, an independent ae;ency of the Government. It is nO"T functional. Introduction of modern communication facilities has been made possible by funding from the United States Congress and technical assistance from the Office of Territorial and International Affairs and the Trust Territory Administration. The United Nations International Telegraphic Union re8ional office in Suva provided us iTith valuable guidance, expertise, training and technical assistance, while the Governments of Australia and New Zealand funded rural telecommunication studies in an effort to help not only us but the irt101e western and south Pacific re~ions. The New Zealand Government assisted us in our rate ne~otiations with international carriers. I should also like to mention Hr. Bert Cmvlan, who unselfishly devoted his time to produce for us a professional study of our telecommunication needs and development options. Finally, ire note with appreciation Comsat's serious efforts to open the four Federated States of Micronesia earth stations ahead of schedule in response to our pressine; need to conduct and co-ordinate the public information pro~ramme on the Compact throughout the land. NR/td T/PV.1545 57 (Hr. Takesy ~ Special ReEr~.sentative )

Unfortunately much remains to be done to upgrade the local telephone system,which has suffered for years because of lack of proper maintenance. We have requested the Administering Authority to assist us in this aspect in order to maximize the use of modern satellite ccmmunications. In the area of social services, strides were made to renovate, equip and staff the Trul~ and Ponape hospitals. The Truk hospital was fully renovated through funds from the United States Congress. Manpower training and retraining continue to be a top priority. lW Government is indebted to the World Health Organization for sponsoring 67 of our health workers across the wide spectrum of health service fields. The unpredictability of medical referrals to facilities outside of the Federated States of Micronesia has always undermined our best efforts in budget planning; we may be on the verge of bringing that under control. Draft agreements with the Naval Regional I.Iedical Center and Guam Family Health Program in Guam and also the Tripler Army Hospital in Hawaii are under revieu and mutual agreement among the parties is expected soon. Family planning was started and integrated with the immuni zation programme. The United Nations Development Programme grant contributed to this programme" iTith a focus on health education and community a,rareness:; for which we are very thankful. Proposals have been submitted to urqICEF which iJould provide funding to improve nutrition and lay midwifery practices in our outlying areas. In an attempt to improve health care, a proposed nurse practice act is being submitted to our Congress. The Federated States of Hicronesia is assuming all administrative functions of the United States federally-funded Environmental Protection Authority and is taking steps to establish its own environmental protection board. The cholera epidemic in Truk is being contained and reduced" and we thank the Horld'Health Organization~ the Atlanta Communicable Disease Center, the Trust Territory Administration, the Ccmrronwealth of the Horthern Marianas and the Government of Japan for their generous assistance. im/td T/PV.1545 58 (lIr. Takesy, Special Representative)

Hith respect to education, steps have been taken to develop relevant curricula for the various levels of education in the land in a national effort to orient our human resources to the many tasks of natior building. IIany of our students are now beine sent to institutions in the Pacific which offer trainine that is relevant to the needs of the people of the Federated States of Ilicronesia. Efforts uere made to improve the overall educa.tional standards in the nation through retraining of teachers, comparative analyses of test results, and management training. Integration 0 l' traditional and modern educational systems is being done to ensure social cohesiveness and protect our heritage. On-the~'job training continues at home and abroad. T~ United States Forestry Service was contracted to train foresters in each of our States in forestry survey techniques and volumetric surveys of consumable, marketable timber in the Federated States of l1icronesia. Fish aggregating devices for attracting pelagic fish species were installed in Truk and Ponape as pilot projects, the results of l1hich ifere most encouraging. They greatly increased catches of fishermen operating within immediate vicinities. Before I conclude, I must report that my Government continues to face unresolved problems in a nWi1ber of important areas llhich must be solved in connection with our transition from trusteeship status to our future status. Regrettably, the matter of unpaid war claims as the result of destruction and other military activity in our islands during the Second Uorld Uar has shOim no progress ilhatsoever during the past year. Our people cannot understand why the Trusteeship should be ended without any assurance or undertaking from the proper parties to pay these claims. Another matter that remains unresolved is payment of claims for so~-·called indefinite land use by the Government of the United States. ~1hile a programme ,ms carried out several years ago to address these claims, and a nunmer of payments iTere made, it is nOil Imown that these payments in many cases iTere very inadequate and that many legitimate claims ilere overlooked or ignored. Since land is so scarce in Micronesia, our people have always been particularly sensitive to the appropriation of private lands for Government use. It is difficult for us to explain to them why they should approve a Compact terminating the Trusteeship l1hile the United States Government refuses to address this matter. lTH/tc1 T/PV.1545 59-60 (I.ir. Takesy 3 Sl)ecial Re})resentative)

Finally, our progress towards termination of the Trusteeship is hindered by tIle insistence of the United States AdministerinB Authority that it will have no obligation to continue to make payments after termination lmc1er the prior service benefits programme~to which a great nunilier of our people are entitled by virtue of their years of service to the United State Government. lIe have been forced to approach the United States Congress directly for assistance in continuing this programme~ ,vith uncertain prospects for success at this time. SK/15/nt T/PV.1545 61

(Hr. Takesy 0 Special Representative)

r~ believe that all these matters that are of a transitional nature should be cleared up by the United States Government withol1t further delay so that our people can look forward to the termination of the trusteeship "Tith confidence. To sum up, the Federated States of Micronesia is slowly but surely making progress in government in both the public and private sectors. VT~' are pleased with the progress made in the first four years of our self· governance . Under the able leaCl.ership of President Nakayama, and with the cllecks and balances and leadership provided by the Congress, the Federation has achieved great stability. Our traditional leaders and customs are in harmony with our freely constituted Govermnent. The four States are a nation.

The PRESIDENT: I thank Hr. Takesy for his kind words addressed to me and to Hr. Poudade. I now call on ~tr. Charles Domnick~ Special Representative of the

I Administering Authority and Minister of Public ~'lorks of the Harshall Islands.

~1r. nm1NJ:,gK (Special Representative)~ On behalf of President Ar!ata Kabua and the people of the Republic of the r'larshall Islands I

con~ratulate YOU s Sir, on your election as President of the fiftieth session of the United Nations Trusteeship Council. r~ look forward to working with

I you and the Council during this session. I also wish to congratulate Mr. Poudade on his election as Vice-President of the Council and I wish to thank him for his exemplary service last year as President. We in the Republic of the ~~arshall Islands appreciate the opportunity we had to host Mr. Poudade and his Visiting Mission last July. The exchang'e of thouphts and ideas that resulted from the ~~ission .Tas of great benefit to both the leaders and the people of the Marshall IslanCls. It was useful for us to see our domestic concerns viewed from an international perspective. SK/15/pt T/PV.1545 62 (~~r. Domnick; Special Re'Presentativ~)

Before I begin my opening remarks I should like to introduce to the Council Mr. Carl B. Ingram, Attorney-General of the Republic of the Marshall Islands ivho joins me in representin{t the Marshall Islands at this session. The Republic of the }Karshall Islands t~ces pride in its achievements over the past year. Many of those achievements Here mentioned in the openinp remarks by Ambassador 'Filliron Sherman ana High Commissioner Janet McCoy. and

many are set forth in the report of the United States to this Council. Toaay 0 I should like to focus my remarks on our political and economic advancement. In the political area~ the domimmt issue has been the Compact of Free Association. In ~~ay 1982. the Marshall Islands and the United States signed the Compact and a number of related agreements. As a result of opposition in the I1arshall Islands to the military use rights agreement and the nuclear claims agreement~ it iTas necessary to revise those agreements. In regard to the r~ilitary use ap'reement ~ opposition came from a number of the Kwajelein lando1?ners whose land is being used for the KvTajelein missile range. Their opposition took the form of an occupation of the missile ran~e and demands for increased land use payments and a reduction in the term of the use rights agreement. After extensive consultations with the landoimers, my Government requested further negotiations with the United States on the military use rights agreewent. During the negotiations, the landowners were fiven an opportunity to be a part of my Governmentis delegation and to convey their concerns directly to the United States. As a result of those negotiations c the term of the military use ri~hts agreement was reduced from 50 to 30 years and the United States Government agreed to provide an additional six million dollars over two years for Kwajelein Atoll development projects.

In this connectiol1 c my Government has concluded an agreement with the Kwajelein landowners parallel to that negotiated with the United States. This parallel agreement incorporates the reduced term and development money provisions and also provides for land use payments to be passed through my Government to the land01mers. SK/2l/pt T/PV.1545 63-~65 (~1r. Dornnick, Special Represen~ative)

In regard to the nuclear claims agreement, a number of those affected have complained that the money offered by the United States is insufficient and that they should have access to the courts of the United Sta~es to sue the United States Government for oamares. After four years of negotiations the United States Government has, however? taken the position that it will not pay more than ~~150 nillion in settlement of the claims, and vTith

settlement of the claims o access to the United States courts will be cut off. Without settlement of the nuclear claims issue there can be no Compact for the I1arshall Islands. Py Government is of the vievT that" given the firm position taken by the United States. it is time that we submitted the United States offer to a plebiscite.

To this end" my Government 0 in consultation 1,rith the people of the Marshall Islands, is attempting to arrange for an equitable allocation of the money offered among the people so as to meet their current claims and provide a means of covering their future needs resultin~ from the United States nuclear testing programme. In this regard" we have achieved a tentative arreem~nt with the Unitea. States to make the full t150 million available to my Government on the effective date of the Compact. so that we may establish a fund vhich vTOuld. in perpetuity., generate interest to meet the current and future needs of all the affected people of the Marshall Islands. Once the revised nuclear claims agreement is concluded, we will relaunch our Compact education prograzrlne? which had to be suspended after an interruption in funding from the United States took place. After the education process is completed. we will conduct a plebiscite on the Compact. In this connection, ve and the United States are prepared to discuss the date of the plebiscite with the President of the Council at his convenience. I should also like to mention, in regard to the military use rights a~reement and the nuclear claims aereemento that representatives of the Kwajelein ~eople and the people of Bikini have indicated to us that they will come to New York to confer with the President and convey to him their particular concerns. RM/16/pt T/PV.1545 66 S1?~cial (!1r. Domnick q Representative)

IJIy Government is proud of the fact that vhen - as in the case of the military~use agreement and the nuclear-claims agree~ent ~ the affected people have voiced le~itimate concern, my Governw~nt has listened to them and has responded in appropriate fashion. This confirms the fact that my Government is truly a democratic one and that it deserves to be recognized as such. Turning to economic affairs) I am pleaseo to say that, vTith the assistance of the United Kingdom and the United States 0 "7e now have reliable electric power in both the population centres of Hajuro and Ebeye. l1oreover~ this past year in Ebeye '07e rehabilitated the sever system and are nOv7 in the process of renovating the hospital o uPfrading the water system and constructing a container yard and warehouse facility adjacent to the Ebeye dock.

As many Council members knov7 the Ebeye dock vTaS repaired and extended only last year. Once construction on Ebeye reaches a point where the streets do not have to be excavated for work on sewer and water lines. we will then pave them. This past year we also acquired from British Aerospace an aircraft capable of carrying over 1~0 passengers and able to fly the 250 miles betveen J1ajuro and Kwajelein in one hour and 15 minutes. This service has allowed us to use our smaller planes to service the outer islancls more effectively 0 and it has eliminated ,reeks of waiting for flights betv'7een r~ajuro and Kwajelein durin€" the heavy peak traffic of the summer and winter months. The developments we have made in the past year may seem modest, but they have given us some of the basic services we lacked and that we need to develop the Marshall Islands in oraer to meet the econoJl1.ic 0 social and health requirelT1ents of our people. llithout these basic services we cannot go forwardc It is on this note of optimism that I conclude my remarks today. I should like to thank you, Mr. President, and the Council, on behalf of President Kabua, for this opportunity to address you. ml/16 T/PV.1545 67

ORGN':IZATION OF HORK

The PRESIDENT: vTe have now exhausted the list of speakers for this afternoon. I am particularly grateful to all of the United States representatives for having delivered all their opening statements today. These, I understand, have now been completed. We have therefore made a good start ~ such a good start~ in fact, that we are now ahead of schedule. The Council's next task is to hear petitioners, and unfortunately none of them is ready to speak tomorrow, as our tentative programme assumed we would not be ready to hear them in the Council until Hednesday. I should therefore like to propose that, subject to the agreement of members, we should not meet tomorrow, and that the two meetings scheduled for tomorrow should be cancelled. We would then meet next at 10.30 a.m. on Hednesday, 18 May, to hear petitioners. Hay I take it that silence indicates assent? It was so decided.

The meeting rose at 5.35 p.m.