situation in the Marshall Islands and the tragedy in Bhopal,, India. In the latter case, no funds had yet been identified to compensate the victims, while in the former case, the Marshall’Islands Government would have interest from a trust fund to settle claims as well as an additional sum to operate the claims tribunal. The Special Adviser also said that,the economic, social and political problems confronting the Marshall Islands ‘should not serve as a pretext for delaying the attainment of self-government: all newly independent countries faced Similar problems. 120. The Special Adviser rejected the assertion that the Marshallese had been asked to ,vote “blindly” in the 1983 plebiscite. A comprehensive political education programme had been conducted throughout the islands, with particular emphasis on the nuclear claims settlement under section 177 of the compact. The Special Adviser also denied that the Administering’ Authority had made a deliberate attempt to develop a dependent edonomy in Micronesia. In the past 100 years, all countries had become economically ,dependent upon one another; Micronesia thus found itself in a.‘ situation of interdependence that was universal. In additibn, t,he ,Marshallese were making every attempt to restore,their,pre-war copra production levels through replanting and.rehabilitation ‘of the coconut groves. 121. The, Special Adviser reaffirmed that the people of the Marshall Islands had freely chosen a political sta,tus which was fully compatible with the Charter of the United ‘Nations. Furthermore, the United States had not sought to divide the people of Micronesia’ but to maintain a single unified political entity. Despite the cultural and li.nguistic differ.ences among the Micronesianei they had shown their ability to work together through the Saipan Aocords and other CO-Operative efforts. Finally, there was’ no hara,llel to be drawn between the situation in the Marshall, Islands ‘and South Africa’s bantustan policy. 1 1 . . 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the political and economic situation in the Marshall Islands, specifically in the context of the country's independence and the settlement of nuclear claims. It touches on issues related to governance, economic development, and international relations.

**Category**
Economic development, Humanitarian aid and relief