Micronesian Monthly 1954 V03 02

Micronesian Monthly 1954 V03 02. Micronesian Monthly (Report). Fort Ruger, O'ahu, HI: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. April 1954. p. 19.

• Has attachment: File:S3HS3L67.pdf

Abstract: Beginning in 1951, the Headquarters for the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) regularly published a magazine that detailed its work in the region. From 1951 through the first issue of 1956, the magazine was known as the Micronesian Monthly; from the second issue of 1956 through the end of the run in 1980, it was known as the Micronesian Reporter. From 1951 through December 1967, publication cycles varied: For the most part, the magazine was produced monthly, though certain issues cover two or more months. Starting in 1968, the magazine was formally shifted to a quarterly publication cycle, which continued through the first quarter of 1980, when publication ceased.

The April–May 1954 issue of Micronesian Monthly reported on High Commissioner Frank E. Midkiff’s return from a business trip to Washington, where he assisted in presenting the Trust Territory’s budget before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Guy C. Cordon, who had recently toured the Territory, was described as supportive but cautious, emphasizing limited resources, geographic challenges, and the need to encourage self-sufficiency without pushing too rapid change. Midkiff confirmed that the Department of the Interior had decided to move Trust Territory Headquarters to Guam on an interim basis, framing the relocation as a practical step toward closer administration.

Notable articles included coverage of Senator Cordon’s introduction of SB 3318, a bill providing for the continuance of the current government and authorizing appropriations up to $7.5 million annually. The magazine also announced the appointment of Del Nucker as Acting Deputy High Commissioner, reflecting changes in the administrative leadership team. District reports detailed progress in schools, hospitals, agriculture, and community projects, while cultural notes and humor sections continued the Monthly’s lighter traditions. Shipping updates, including the Chicot’s movements, were again a staple feature.

Key individuals included High Commissioner Frank E. Midkiff, Senator Guy C. Cordon of Oregon, and Del Nucker in his new role as Acting Deputy High Commissioner. Organizations and institutions featured included the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, the Department of the Interior, the Trust Territory Headquarters, and district-level administrations. The issue conveyed both continuity and change: congressional caution on appropriations, administrative restructuring, and the significant symbolic step of relocating the headquarters to Micronesia itself, even if only temporarily in Guam.

Volume Three, Number Two (1954) Index: China 8 Education 6, 10 Guam 1, 5, 10, 14, 16 – 17 Headquarters 1, 5 Japan 8, 14 Japanese 4, 14 Navy 3, 8, 10 Ponape (Pohnpei) 2, 5 – 6, 8, 16 – 17