remedy
some
Establishment
of
of
group authorized
the
territories'
concerns.
a formal interagency policy
to address major policy mat-
ters in a comprehensive fashion or a legislatively authorized office attached to the White
House, might provide the representative focal
point wanted by many territorial leaders.
Al-
though an organizational change may not enhance
or resolve U.S. territorial relations without
a corresponding clarification of U.S. policy
toward
such
issues
as
political
status,
eco-
nomic and financial assistance and relations,
the degree of federal oversight over territorial affairs and treatment under federal laws
and programs, it could provide the impetus for
addressing these issues.
AGENCY COMMENTS
The
Departments
governors
of
of
Interior
American
and
Samoa,
State
Guam,
Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and
Islands commented on GAO's report.
I through VII.)
and
the
Northern
the Virgin
(See apps.
Interior supports GAO's
conclusion
that
its
role as a direct authority over territorial
government has diminished, and that its role is
primarily as a provider of technical assistance
and territory advocate.
State
said
organizational
options
for
the
federal-territorial relationship should reflect
the direction of the relationship--greater ter-
ritorial autonomy within the context of selfdetermination.
State also said greater federal
centralization over territorial affairs would
be perceived by the territories as a reversal
of this direction. © However, State also recognized the need for better policy and program
coordination and said an interagency coordinat~
ing committee for the territories could fulfill
this role.
The governor of the Virgin Islands recommended
‘that the Congress enact a law giving the territories authority to develop a federal policy
compact
to
include
economic
assistance
and
political status.
Tear Sheet
9000203
vii