National Security Decision Directive Number 10: the Future Political Status of Micronesia
Reagan, Ronald (1981-09-21). National Security Decision Directive Number 10: the Future Political Status of Micronesia. The White House.
- Has attachment: File:NSCFPWLW.pdf
Abstract: The document titled “National Security Decision Directive Number 10: the Future Political Status of Micronesia” outlines the United States’ strategic and political plans for transitioning Micronesia from a United Nations Trusteeship to a Compact of Free Association. The directive details the historical context in which the US has administered Micronesia since 1947 under a strategic agreement with the UN and highlights the strategic importance of the region for US defense, international commitments, and agency-specific interests.
The document emphasizes that the Trusteeship is outdated and does not serve the long-term interests of the US. It outlines the benefits of shifting to a political status of free association, which includes fostering stable relationships, orienting Micronesia toward the US, securing US defense interests, and improving Micronesia’s economic conditions while reducing their dependency on the US. Moreover, free association is seen as a way to provide international legitimacy to Micronesia and ensure enduring US interests.
The directive also lays out the negotiation positions for finalizing the subsidiary agreements to the Compact and specifies the financial commitment of approximately $1.9 billion over 15 years, as detailed in the initial Compac. Further, it mentions plans to convert non-defense aids to navigation in Micronesia and seek additional agreements on legislative matters. An interdepartmental structure will be established to manage the new relationship. This directive supersedes conflicting provisions from previous directives while reaffirming their contents.
