Section, Pub. L. 88–66, July 19, 1963, 77 Stat. 80, required applicability of equitable principles by Secretary of the Interior upon submission of proof of compliance with land use requirements after prescribed period. Section was formerly classified to section 364f of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, § 703(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2789, provided that the repeal made by section 703(a) is effective on and after Oct. 21, 1976.

Repeal by Pub. L. 94–579 not to be construed as terminating any valid lease, permit, patent, etc., existing on Oct. 21, 1976, see section 701 of Pub. L. 94–579, set out as a note under section 1701 of this title.