Department of the Interior. The transfer occurred in recognition that territorial problems were largely economic and social in nature. By 1951, Interior had jurisdiction over Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American tory of the Pacific Islands. Centralized federal authority Samoa, in and the the Trust territories Terri- remained ‘constant, however, and Interior's role included many supervisory functions, including -* --appointing territorial governors —~-managing territorial governors; and in American Samoa; government --administering and coordinating programs in the territories. operations federal throuqh the assistance and Puerto Rico's move toward self-government marks the beginning of decreased direct federal involvement in territorial administration When Puerto Rico achieved commonwealth status in 1952, it was removed from Interior's jurisdiction and assumed responsibility for its own internal affairs. No single federal agency was directed to replace Interior, and Puerto Rico has continued its singularly unique relationship to the federal government Since that time. In 1961, a presidential memorandum directed that matters pertaining to Puerto Rico were to be referred to "The Office of the President." The White House continues to have responsibility for Puerto Rico, and, according to an admin- istration official, arbitrates problems involving Puerto Rico and federal agencies. He said the White House tries to ensure that the Commonwealth's administrative and policy concerns are adequately presented, and that high-level attention is given to Puerto Rico by federal agencies. Other territories move toward greater autonomy As discussed in chapters 3 and 4, the other territories and insular areas have acquired or are moving toward increased local autonomy--largely self-governing entities. Their political development, resulting from a series of specific legislative and administrative actions by the Congress and the executive brénch, has contributed to the U.S. government's reduced authority and presence in the territories. TRENDS As IN FEDERAL the INVOLVEMENT territories self-governing, and insular areas became increasingly federal administration has been marked 41 IOT024U8 administrative by (1) a