CHAPTER 6 FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION OF TERRITORIES SHOULD REFLECT U.S. TERRITORIAL POLICY influence have --Is federal the Pacific lessened to the point territorial organizational relationship, Matters, is raising such questions as: the government territories and the autonomy and greater The federal presence where the particularly federal- its to meet the broad economic and social ~-Is the Department of the Interior, which is primarily responsible for territorial affairs, except Puerto Rico, effectively addressing territorial and federal concerns? --Is a new federal organizational structure needed to better address territorial concerns and implement U.S. pol- icy objectives? OVERVIEW OF TERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATION Because U.S. interests in territorial acquisition at the turn of the century were largely strategic and defense-oriented,. early administration was vested in the military. The territories, except for Puerto Rico which was under military control for only 2 years, were administered by the Navy--for 14 years in the Virgin Islands and nearly 50 years in Guam and American Samoa. Military administration set the stage for federal relations with its territories, a period marked by direct supervisory control and limited self-government. With no congressional framework for territorial government, all authority was vested in the naval governors who administered the island's internal affairs. Military governors generally concentrated their efforts in the areas of public works, sanitation, health, and education. Little effort was local self-government or economic development. made ‘ to foster Early civilian administrators continued direct control over territorial affairs By the early 1950s, the United States had transferred administration of the territories to civilian control under the 40 200024 1 ; in policy effectively coordinating administrative and policy efforts objectives of encouraging political, development? ; a ae and years, assumed increased their own affairs. Mal pid ingle! bia 15 Cie bet ate 8 past Ln the Cap eile In Virgin Islands have control for managing ‘