The Editors' Mailday
p. 55 · Read in the full issue
United States Claim
To Cook Islands
Sir, —In reference to the “Tropica lities” article in PIM for October, 1965 (p. 24), I contacted the United States Government’s Department of State in order to clarify the American position on its claims to four islands [Pukapuka, Manihiki, Rakahanga and Penrhyn] in the Northern Cook Group. I am enclosing a photo graphed copy of the reply I received from the State Department, written by Mr. Richard D. Kearney, Deputy Legal Adviser, on April 11. ‘Dear Mr. Hurley: “The Secretary of State has asked Tie to reply to your thoughtful letter ?f February 10, 1966, concerning the Zook Islands.
“The United States Government ipplauds the achievement of self government in the Cook Islands and las the warmest regard for the people >/ the Cook Islands. As you may mow, the United States delegate to he Special Committee on the Imple nentation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colo dal Countries and Peoples, Mr.
Dwight Dickinson, expressed on iugust 27, 1965, on behalf of the Jnited States congratulations to the l eople of the Cook Islands for hav ng achieved self-government in asso iation with New Zealand.
“The reference in the Department i State’s Geographic Bulletin to the laim of the United States is a rou ine, administrative act derived from he historical position of the United 'tates in this regard and is not in ended to imply that the United States f actively pursuing or supporting the laim. In particular, it does not inhibit ull endorsement by the United States f self-government in the Cook slands.”
I continue to find a great deal of iterest in your fine magazine.
John J. Hurley, Oses
)blates of St. Francis De Sales, Wilmington 9, Delaware, USA.