National Security Action Memorandum (nsam) 145 New Policy for the Us Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
Kennedy, John F. (1962-05-18). National Security Action Memorandum (nsam) 145 New Policy for the Us Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Report). Washington, DC: The White House.
- Has attachment: File:J9LL7LS7.pdf
Abstract: This file contains a copy of National Security Action Memoranda number 145 (NSAM 145) titled, "New Policy for the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands," to Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall; Secretary of State Dean Rusk; Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara; and Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Abraham Ribicoff from President John F. Kennedy. Also includes numerous drafts, memos and briefs relating to crafting and revision of the NSAM through Task Force and agency processes.
1. From 1947, when the United States undertook the Administration of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands as a United Nations Trusteeship, until 1961, the U.S. has carried out its obligations to the inhabitants of the Territory in such a manner as to change as l i t t l e as possible their customary way of life. The present administration has recognized, however, that fundamental changes have been taking place in the outlook of the peoples of the remaining dependent areas and in the attitude of the rest of the world toward these area, bringing with it a recognition of the need for a greatly accelerated program of political, economic and social development. The obligations of the United States under the United Nations Trusteeship agreement should be reviewed in the light of these facts of international life.
2. Under the terms of the United Nations Trusteeship agreement, the United States is committed to the preparation of the people of the Trust Territory for self-government or independence, according to the freely expressed wishes of the people. It is unlikely that the Trust Territory could, or should, ever become a viable, independent nation. It is in the interest of the people of the Territory as well as in the security interest of the United States that the Trust Territory move into a new and lasting relationship within the political framework of the United States. This, then, should be our goal. If it is to be accomplished, the people of the Trust Territory must become an educated people, prepared to exercise an informed choice, which means a choice by people capable of weighing the realistic alternatives. There is an urgent need for the initiation of programs leading to the improvement of education, as a first step toward improvement of other public services and the economic development of the Trust Territory.
3. The President has requested the Secretaries of State, Defense and Interior to designate representatives at the Assistant Secretary level to develop, and put into effect, the programs necessary to carry forward the general policy set forth in Paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Memorandum. A member of the White House staff will be available to sit with this group to assist in its work. The representative of the Department of the Interior will serve as chairman of this Task Force. Its responsibilities will include the identification of special problems requiring further investigation. It will, as necessary, draw upon the resources of other agencies of the Executive Branch, and will consult with the Director of the Budget on the additional funds required to carry out the policy described herein.
4. The Task Force will bear in mind the importance to the United States of (a) the attitude of the United Nations, the Trusteeship Council, and the neighboring countries of the Pacific toward the United States as the trust administering power; (b) the security requirements of the United States in the area; and (c) the United States long-term objectives of developing the Trust Territory as a viable territory permanently associated with the United States and enjoying a standard of living consistent with such association. Many aspects of the administration of the Trust Territory are dependent upon authorizing legislation and appropriations by the Congress; the appropriate committees of Congress should be fully consulted...
