inconsistency with the compact of free association had been singled out by the petitioners as objectionable. However, the Constitution itself established the means to effect a constitutional amendment specifically to avoid inconsistencies with the compact. A decision on whether or not to amend its Constitution was entirely in the hands of the people of Palau. The results of the votes in February 1983 and September 1984 left little doubt that free association as defined in the compact remained Palau's preferred political status. The level of support expressed in the plebiscites aid not, in the United States view, indicate popular disapproval of the provisions regarding nuclear and other weapons, as some petitioners had implied. 27. Nevertheless, the United States considered that the approval requirements for the Palau compact, according to its own terms, remained incomplete. It would not proceed with its own part of the approval process until those requirements had been met by the people of Palau and their Government. The United States Government had initiated a series of discussions with Palauan representatives to resolve the issue and would inform the Trusteeship Council of developments. 28. The United States representative said that his Government had no plans to establish military bases in Palau. The military use provisions of the compact did not contemplate the United States taking title to any land but rather the non-exclusive use of land for temporary activities such as training exercises. 29. The representative pointed out that it was a common practice for the United States Congress to give advance approval to the conclusion of an international agreement such as the compact for Palau. That was a purely domestic procedure which was of no concern to the Trusteeship Council. 30. The representative disputed the contention that the compact did not appropriately resolve matters relating to the United States nuclear testing in the 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be discussing a political agreement between the United States and Palau, specifically the Compact of Free Association. The text highlights the issues surrounding the compact, including the need for a constitutional amendment and the United States' plans for military use of Palauan land. It also touches on the topic of nuclear testing in the region.

**Category**
International relations