Secretary Laird's Views on Micronesian Status Negotiations

Kissinger, Henry A. (1973-01-02). Secretary Laird's Views on Micronesian Status Negotiations. Secretary of Defense.

• Has attachment: File:UYFDNUBR.pdf

Abstract: Outlines Secretary Laird’s views on the negotiations concerning the future status of Micronesia and gives reasons for his recommendation to adjourn the negotiations indefinitely. Secretary Laird suggests focusing on rapidly completing separate negotiations with the Mariana Islands [2]. The rationale includes the Micronesian Congress previously rejecting a draft Compact of Association and instructing negotiations towards options for both independence and free association, local opposition in Palau to U.S. military land use, significant differences between U.S. and Micronesian views on terminating associations and military base rights, and interference from the OEO-subsidized Micronesian Legal Services Corporation and some Peace Corps members.

Despite Secretary Laird’s recommendations, negotiations are set to resume the following March after the Micronesian Congress’s next session [7]. There are ongoing separate negotiations for a closer association between the Mariana Islands and the U.S.. The memorandum also presents a reassessment of the situation led by Ambassador Franklin Haydn Williams and other departments [9][11], and addresses issues with the OEO and Peace Corps involvement . A draft memorandum responds to Laird, highlighting these concerns and planning to review the negotiating position after the upcoming inter-departmental study.