Us Trust Territory: Issues Associated with Palau's Transition to Self-government
Kingsbury, Nancy R. (1989). Us Trust Territory: Issues Associated with Palau's Transition to Self-government (Report). Washington, DC: Government Accountability Office.
- Has attachment: File:LAQZ99FF.pdf
Abstract: The Republic of Palau, an archipelago of more than 200 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, is the last remaining component of the U-N.- approved Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, administered by the United States since 1947. The U. N. Security Council trusteeship agreement obligates the United States to promote Palau’s development and eventual self-government. Consistent with this goal, the United States and the government of Palau signed a Compact of Free Association in 1986, which recognizes Palau as a self-governing entity but gives the United States full authority and responsibility for its defense for 60 years. Although a majority of Palau’s voters supported the compact in six referenda, the compact has not been implemented because it has not received the constitutionally required 76-percent voter approval of U.S. nuclear transit rights included in the compact. Some Palauans have opposed the compact because they believed its funding provisions were inadequate or they were concerned about U.S. rights to use Palauan land for defense purposes...
Because of a 1979 policy decision to provide the government of Palau with greater autonomy, Interior did not closely monitor, advise, or prevent Palau from entering into some ill-advised contracts. Palau has not established sound procurement procedures requiring independent feasibility studies and competition; has not implemented its special prosecutor law; and has not established effective conflict-of-interest legislation. Palau’s ability to successfully manage compact funds and achieve greater financial self-sufficiency is questionable unless, with increased U.S. advice and technical assistance, it acts to resolve these and other financial management problems.
In addition, as a result of Justice Department concerns over Federal Bureau of Investigation authority in Palau, the Bureau has not provided investigative assistance requested by Palau in 1987. This, combined with Palauan cultural constraints, the government’s lack of experience and funding, and unfilled key law enforcement positions, continues to hinder Palau’s overall law enforcement capability.
