their work. 244. The Soviet delegation had also questioned the political choices freely made by the peoples of the Trust Territory in plebiscites and referendums held under the supervision of the Trusteeship Council, That might give the false impression that it was the responsibility of the members of the Trusteeship Coun&l to determine the political future of the Territory rather than the people themselves in keeping with Article 76 of the Charter. 245. The representative of France pointed out that under the terms of the commitments made, the inhabitants of the Trust Territory would have every opportunity to change their minds; they had not definitely abandoned the status of independence; they could later, if at any time they felt it necessary or desirable tc do so, decide on independence. 246. The Trusteeship Council was not empowered to act for the people of the Trust Territory or to take decisions on their behalf, but only to monitor and to advise. This was reflected in the conclusions and recommendations submitted to the Council. -34- 247. The representative of France said that he did not believe that the members of the Drafting Committee had sided with anybody, but rather, in doing their work, had acted as guardians of the lawful position of the Council and of the free expression of the will of the peoples of the Territory. 248. The representative of the United Kingdom said that by joining in the consensus to set Up a drafting group composed of the United Kingdom and France, the soviet Union representative had shown confidence in the ability of the Drafting Committee t0 draft conclusions and recommendations that reflected the views of the majority of the Council. The Committee had worked diligently and the report reflected, in 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be discussing the political and governance aspects of the Trust Territory, specifically the role of the Trusteeship Council and the representatives of various countries in determining the political future of the Territory. The text highlights the importance of free expression of the will of the people and the limitations of the Council's role in making decisions on their behalf.

**Category**
Politics, International Relations