model for this approach. A disadvantage in this approach would be the lack of strong coordination and oversight over programs and policies. TERRITORIES WANT TO BE REPRESENTED BY AN EFFECTIVE ORGANIZATION We solicited the territories' views on organizational structure but found no clear consensus. Many officials favored placing oversight responsibility for all the U.S. territories in the White House, similar to Puerto Rico. They believe doing so would elevate territorial concerns and provide more influence. Puerto Rican officials, however, do not want the Commonwealth included in an organization with the other territories. A highlevel Puerto Rico official said this would be viewed as a setback for Puerto Rico and a "colonial" act by the United States. Some officials believe that the territories may not need formal agency representation because the local governments now deal directly with the federal establishment in many admin- istrative areas. An NMI official said the territory might not require single agency oversight because it could deal directly with the Congress on budget matters. American Samoa's delegate to Congress and other officials suggested that there may not be a need for any federal administering agency. Despite the disparity of their views, territorial officials © agreed that they want the government to be more responsive to their needs. A Virgin Islands official summarized many of the. comments we received when he said that organizational issues should not be analyzed in terms of agency placement. The most important question to be addressed is influence. Any organiza- tion representing the territories within the federal government should have the legislative support to ensure Ssistently provide meaningful assistance. that it can con- Organizational options represent one dimension in the com- CONCLUSION plex relationship between the federal government and its territories. Territorial officials are primarily concerned that their views are heard at the highest possible level within the federal system. Many believe the Department of the Interior's Office of Territorial and International Affairs is not institutionally suited to meet this need, however, no clear consensus exists on what type of organizational arrangement is needed. We believe a change in organizational responsibility for territorial affairs might remedy some of the territories' concerns. Establishment of a formal interagency policy group, authorized to address high-level policy or territorial issues 5000255. 48