Department of the Interior Waiver Letter

Northrop, Vernon (1952-09-10). Department of the Interior Waiver Letter. Department of the Interior.

• Has attachment: File:B4KQ85TA.pdf

Abstract: The document “Department of the Interior Waiver Letter” primarily discusses the implications of a proposed executive order, which suggests transferring administrative jurisdiction over the islands of Saipan and Tinian. The Department opposes the draft order for several reasons:

It would create two governments within the Trust Territory (TTPI), leading to serious confusion and criticism from various stakeholders, including the islanders, Congress, and the United Nations Trusteeship Council.

Separation of Saipan and Tinian from the other Northern Mariana Islands would nullify plans for a unified District Advisory Council, as urged by the United Nations Trusteeship Council. It would hinder the economic development of the Trust Territory by disrupting the potential agricultural productivity of Saipan and Tinian, which are considered vital for the Territory’s economy and for resettling inhabitants from overpopulated island.

The administrative and operational costs to the Federal Government would increase, as Saipan serves as the governmental center for the Northern Marianas District, and the order would necessitate the creation of new administrative facilities.

The relocation of the Trust Territory Government headquarters would incur substantial costs.

The order might be perceived as a setback in the President’s Civil Rights program concerning civilian establishment.

The document emphasizes that military operations and security arrangements can be maintained without fragmenting civil authority in these territories and mentions ongoing discussions about land use for military purposes