The American Performance in Micronesia: A Retrospective Appraisal

Abstract

Many studies have assessed the United States role in Micronesia. The region has been the subject of a long succession of books, articles, editorials, speeches and reports. Excluding ethnographic studies of traditional Micronesian cultures, almost all of these works have been indictments of the American role as trustee.’ However, the specific content of these indictments has changed with the times, reflecting the abrupt policy changes of successive American administrations. The present study is written from the viewpoint of a person who worked in the Trust Territory administration. For eight years-from 1965 to 1973-1 was an “insider.” My perspective is not unique. Many earlier commentators were, to a greater or lesser degree, identified with the Trust Territory government. However, for the most part, they were identified with the trusteeship during its earlier days and had served in largely an advisory or consultative capacity.* An im ortant exception is Roger Gale, who recently wrote a critique.!: He served in Micronesia as a Peace Corps Volunteer during my tenure as an administrator. However, the relationship of the Peace Corps to the administration was distant and at times adversarial, certainly not one of identification. Following his service in Micronesia, Gale became a founder and leader of the “Friends -of Micronesia,” an association opposed to United States control of the region. Its quar