Turning point for American Samoans

American Samoans went to the polls in November to vote on the first steps towards some form of self-government. They were asked to vote on decisions made at a constitutional convention and are expected to favour an elected governor and lieutenant-governor instead of appointed executives.

The chiefs previously turned down the suggestion that they should elect the governor because they feared this would mean the drying-up of Washington hand-outs. They have now been assured that the money will come as long as Washington believes it is needed. The voters will also be asked to decide on the question of a salary hike for members of the Fono (parliament). They turned it down in 1972.