Micronesian-U.S. Talks Begin
p. 29 · Read in the full issue
T* ,°f Micronesia’s Joint Committee on Political Status faces its fourth round with the United States, in Palau beginning April 2, with a greater background of support than at any time previously. There is general hope in the Trust Territory that the committee will come away with a satisfactory blueprint for a free association with the US.
Attitudes at the recent 50-day session of the Congress were reasonably tree of heat on the matter—onlv in the last days of the session was political status discussed at all. Although there was an unexpected call by Charles Marshalls, for the six districts to be allowed to negotiate with the US separately, the session ended with leading members stressing the need for umty. Domnick had said that the “nation of Micronesia is an illusion . . . we cannot pretend any longer”. Senator Roman Tmetuchl, of Palau, said a loose federation of Micronesia was “appealing”, but separate negotiation would not achieve anything meanwhile.