I Frank C. I protective of special territorial needs should be explored thoroughly. 4. Long-term financial commitments. Presently, direct federal financial assistance to American Samoa is provided on an annual basis through appropriations to the Department of the Interior and the various applicable federal grant programs. This process makes long-term planning for economic development, for example, and other extended programs uncertain, if not precarious. There is a lack of program continuity. Therefore, we think that means of assuring long- term U.S. commitments should be considered for specific areas of economic and social development. This step might be accomplished through a separate agreement, however styled, between the United States and American Samoa. It is my hope that this GAO report will signal the lack of and need for a realistic and sustained U.S. policy on the insular territories. Sincerely, PETER 2000ZbI TA . Paitin aNaatapa es preae ee aan 7 tins Radi ed Poe eaeea ws The problem and program needs clearer definition and more effective direction. Bie Seve haa, SHRIetete Wipe:8S VEiRA 3. Preemption of territorial laws. There appears to be potential in federal court decisions preempting state laws, or county or municipal ordinances, in favor of federal laws to put territorial attempts at statutory regulation in some jeopardy. For American Samoa, there is particular concern for our communal land tenure and Matai (chief) title system. This could extend to immigration, customs, business regulation and other issues. Thus, in this context, we suggest that the enactment by the Congress of legislation . extant fers eg 2. Application of federal laws. American Samoa has been satisfied generally with the ongoing program of the Department of the Interior to study the application of federal laws. The effort is constructive. It is of concern, however, the Department or any other cognizant organization, submit any changes in existing laws proposed by it to us for review and recommendation before submission to the Congress. The impetus for legislation can, of course, come from many sources, but this assurance would at least regularlize the process within official channels. pM ad “hither te, the administration of U.S. policy on the flag territories and freely associated states to come upon termination of the UN trusteeship of Micronesia must be placed in separate agencies to account adequately for the different issues involved in these relationships. . lal weet A as 4 2 . 11/11/84 APPENDIX Conahan ” =F ale eis CEA APPENDIX Mr. EMAN- Governor of American Samoa 54 :