Records on Guam and Palau

The materials in FOIA 2005-0508-F are a selective, not necessarily all inclusive, body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about related materials. 2005-0508-F 2 FOIA 2005-0508-F contains materials from agencies and individuals relating to Guam and Palau following their transition from the United Nations-instituted Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands after World War II into different political relationships with the United States. Having been ceded to the U.S. following the Spanish-American War and liberated from Japanese occupation during World War II, Guam was established as an unincorporated organized territory of the U.S. under the auspices of the Guam Organic Act of 1950. In recent years (including during the Bush Administration) Guam has sought a closer relationship with the U.S. via commonwealth status. Palau, however, opted for independence following the end of trusteeship and signed the Compact of Free Association with the U.S. in 1986 (which became effective in 1994). Read less