*.. CHAPTER 3 POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT LEADS TO GREATER SELF-GOVERNMENT BUT POLICY QUESTIONS PERSIST The United States has shown flexibility in the political development process for each territory under its administration. As a result, the territories have freely chosen different forms of political status based on their unique characteristics and needs. The general trend has been toward greater autonomy and self-government. Despite the strides in political development, many territories believe the meaning of self-determination as a policy is unclear because it offers little specific guidance for attaining greater economic self-reliance. Several Federal and territory officials believe U.S. policy must be translated into comprehensive terms which address economic, social, and politi-~ cal development concerns. This chapter discusses political development of territories and the developments in the tory of the Pacific. NMI. Chapter Micronesian 4 states covers under recent the the flag political Trust Terri- SELF-DETERMINATION PERMITS FLEXIBLE APPROACH TO POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT ' In 1962, President Kennedy summarized the federal govern- ment's attitude to the territories' political development. "Local self-government iS among the most cherished of American democratic traditions. This nation is committed to the principle of self-determination and will continue to support and encourage responsible’ self-rule. throughout the world and particularly in those territories under the United States." the jurisdiction of President Carter's 1980 statement on the territories, the most recent effort to address U.S. policy, also endorsed the fundamental principle of self-determination, noting that all status options should be open to the people of the insular areas. The current administration continues to support the policy of self- détermination. In adhering to the principle of self-determination, the United States has generally acceded to the wishes of the territories with respect to status. In 1946, independence was gran-— In 1952 commonwealth status was granted ted to the Philippines. to Puerto Rico, and in 1976, the Congress approved the covenant Islands which grants commonwealth with the Northern Mariana S0002Tb~