Compact of Free Association Negotiations: Fulfilling the Promise

Fairlamb, John (June 2001). Compact of Free Association Negotiations: Fulfilling the Promise (Report). Honolulu, HI: Island State Security Conference Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies.

• Has attachment: File:7WVFV5XR.pdf

Abstract: A Paper Originally Presented to Island State Security Conference Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies Honolulu, June 2001 Dr. John Fairlamb Office of Compact Negotiations U.S. Department of State

...The concept of free association defined in the "Hilo Principles" agreed by the U.S. and Micronesia in 1978, was in essence a bargain through which a degree of external sovereignty was freely exchanged in return for a defense commitment and the promise of significant economic assistance. Through "Compacts of Free Association," the Freely Associated States (FAS) of the FSM, the RMI and Palau achieved internal self-government while the U.S. maintains full authority and responsibility for defense and security matters. Furthermore, the Micronesians agreed to take no action that the U.S. considers to be in conflict with its defense responsibilities and authority. Similarly, the FAS have full authority and responsibility for foreign affairs, but they agreed to consult with the U.S. and, again, to refrain from taking any action in the area of foreign affairs which conflicts with U.S. defense responsibilities and authority...