Authority, noted that negotiations on the future political status of the Trust Territory had begun in 1969. Since then, the peoples of the Territory had made momentous decisions as to the type of future relationship they would pursue with the United States and with the rest of the world. 50. The Senior Adviser further stated that the plebiscites held in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau had been the first and major Steps in fulfilling one of the most important obligations of the United States under the Trusteeship Agreement 6J and the United Nations Charter, namely, to “promote the development of the inhabitants of the Trust Territory towards self-government or independence" in a manner consistent with "the freely expressed wishes of the peoples concerned". In the view of his Government, the Trusteeship Council had expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the plebiscites and could feel justifiable pride in helping deliver the peoples of the Trust Territory to the threshold of self-government. 51. The final approval of the compacts of free association was now under discussion by the United States Congress. Since their submission to the COngreSs, the compacts had been the subject of 23 separate hearings by various congressional committees and were now on the calendar for unanimous consent in the united States Senate. In the House of Representatives, the final committee meetings before the compacts were voted on would take place during the current week. President Reagan had instructed all the officers of his Administration to dedicate themselves to the approval of the compacts so that they-could enter into force, in accordance with the wishes of the freely associated States, during 1985. 52. The Senior Adviser added that the United States Government was committed to the early resolution of issues which had prevented final consideration and approval 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the political status of the Trust Territory, specifically the negotiations and agreements related to its future relationship with the United States and the international community. The language used suggests a focus on self-government and independence, which may indicate that the category is related to politics or governance.

**Category**
Politics, International Relations