Statement
of Representative
Ben Blaz
before the Inter-Parliamentary Union Session,
Bangkok -- October 14, 1987
Colonialism and
Decolonization
Madame Chairman, on behalf of the American
delegation, congratulations on your
election.
My fellow Parliamentarians, having carefully
followed the proceedings here this morning and
afternoon, the United States delegation rises in
indignation to some of the incredulous remarks
which have reverberated in this chamber. We had
hoped that this august forum would be used for the
noble purpose for which it was intended - the
pursuit of peace and mutual understanding. Instead,
sadly, it has degenerated into a springboard for
some representatives to make preposterous
statements against my country. While we find it
difficult to restrain ourselves from responding to
such outrageous allegations, not to do so would
only dignify them.
Madam Chairman, the United States of America -
which I am proud to represent - requires no
lectures on colonialism and decolonization from
countries whose policies are an affront to human
dignity and the legitimate aspirations of their own
peoples to self-determination. My country, itself a
product of decolonization, has historically taken
the lead in championing the independence of all
countries and the right of all people to freely
choose their own form of government. Whenever and
wherever the banner of freedom has been waved, the
people of the world have looked to the United
States. our record in helping all people to attain
their independence and to exercise their right of
self-determination is one of our proudest
achievements and, as the whole world knows, is
second to none.
Over the years, as colonial territories around the
world have gained independence, the United States
has offered large amounts of economic, social and
technical assistance. Economic assistance alone to
the developing countries has totaled billions of
dollars since 1945. Hundreds of thousands of
refugees from around the world have sought refuge
on our shores!
A reasonable person would truly need to have
ulterior motives to justify accusing the United
States of colonialism. When the record of my
country is examined under any criterion, only a
revisionist of history would conclude that ours is
not a bonafide champion of freedom.
Regarding the Trust Territory of the Pacific
Islands, we see a perfect example of changing
posture to suit political purpose by our critics.
For years, the U.S. was pressured to terminate the
trusteeship. Finally, after years of negotiations
and plebiscites, under U.N. observation, the United
States has taken the necessary steps to grant the
political status of the choice of the people of
Micronesia themselves. Now, the rhetoric has
shifted and the U.S. is accused of manipulating the
process for its own benefit. I suppose that for
those countries either not used to the democratic
process or not willing to recognize its virtues as
a government of the people, by the people, and for
the people, no fact, no figure, no reason makes
sense.
I am very comfortable speaking about the Trust
Territory of the Pacific Islands - Micronesia -
because I am a Micronesian! I have stood side by
side, word by word, year for year with my fellow
Micronesians as together we sought the best
possible political status for ourselves in keeping
with our aspirations to fulfill our right to
self-determination. The years of frustration and
elation were brought about by constant give and
take that usually characterize negotiations of this
nature. Although I was born and raised on Guam, I
was a first-hand participant and witness to these
events over the past forty years.
Guam, as well as Puerto Rico, has also been used as
an example of a non-self governing territory with
its citizens not enjoying the benefits of freedom
and justice. Yet, I was able to attend a university
in my country, to compete to become and officer in
the prestigious U.S. Marines, and to retire as a
General Officer. Following that, I entered politics
and I am now a Member of the U.S. Congress, the
only one in either the House or the Senate to have
been a General in the U.S. Armed Forces. If this is
not an outstanding example of what my country
offers its citizens, then I dare others to show me
a better one.
At the risk of being accused a super patriot - an
appellation I would cherish - in this, the 200th
Anniversary of the Constitution of the United
States, I appear before you - a Chamorro, part
Asian, part Micronesian, part Hispanic, and All
American - as Exhibit A for my country's position
in the critical question of self-determination.
Even as I speak here today, my colleagues in my
territory are hammering out a document to improve
further our political status, by our own choice,
from that of a Territory to Commonwealth. In my
country, one can do that.
In concluding, Madam Chairman, I would emphasize
that democracy and self determination are the means
of achieving true and lasting freedom and
independence of people the world over. I would
suggest that certain countries, so critical of us
in these matters, consider the democratic path: the
path of consent and self-determination.
It works beautifully. I ought to know.
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