The administration of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, 1945-1962

This study deals with the scattered, but significant (those responsible for America's defense posture in the Free World might use the adjective "vital"), area of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands--the scattered islands of Micronesia spreading across the Central Pacific. Formerly mandated to Japan, these groups of islands were placed under the United Nations Trusteeship System following World War II with the United States as the Administering Authority. While the Trusteeship System has run its full course in regard to most territories, it seems probable that the islands of Micronesia may remain under trusteeship for an increasingly embarrassing length of time. This paper focuses broadly upon this contemporary problem in an attempt to arrive at an evaluation of present policies and to suggest some alternative courses which might be explored. The United States appears to be in a position where it cannot let the Trust Territory go and, yet, cannot continue it as it exists today.