United States would have was the right to audit the funds it provided under the compacts . Finally, the decision to seek approval of the compacts by way of a joint resolution of both Houses of Congress, and the fact that compact funding would to some extent be provided on the basis of annual congressional appropriations, were consistent with standard United States practice and could not be cited as evidence of undue control by the United States over the freely associated States. Virtually all United States Government funds for any purpose, whether treaty obligations or domestic requirements, were provided on the basis of annual appropriations by Congress. 19. With regard to external relations, the compacts provided that the freely associated States would have full authority over foreiqn affairs except in relation to international defence and security; the reauirements for consultation did not diminish that independent authority. In any case, neither resolution 1541 (XV) of 15 December 1960 nor any other relevant resolution reauired or suggested that a freely associated State must retain control over external affairs, whether in relation to defence or to foreign affairs generally. 20. The representative disputed the claim that the freely associated States would have few means to resolve differences with the United States. Under section 313 of the compacts, they would be able to raise defence-related matters directly with United States Government officials at the cabinet level. In other areas, consultations and, if necessary, arbitration could be employed to resolve differences. 21. The representative emphasized that the continuing rights of the United States to foreclose military access of third countries were part of mutual defence arrangements which were not incompatible with self-governinq status. As the burden of providing entirely for their own defence would be overwhelming for these small island States, the agreements were in fact a guarantee of their ability to exercise self-determination now and in the future. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the relationship between the United States and "freely associated States" in the context of defense and security agreements. The language used suggests that the agreements are focused on mutual defense and security, with the United States providing funding and support to the associated States in exchange for certain rights and obligations. This suggests that the category related to defense and security may be the most fitting.

**Category**
International relations