In the shadow of the Pentagon

Abstract

The tiny Republic of Palau in the far western Pacific has taken a dramatic step to confront United States attempts to militarize the islands. Their unique Constitution, approved over U.S. objections, bans nuclear weapons and nuclear waste with the approval of 75% of the votes cast in referendum. The Palauans have effectively created a nuclear free zone around their islands. The Constitution is just the latest in a long history of Palauan actions to prevent outside control of their islands. When U.S. military plans for use of 30% of the Palau islands were first announced in 1972, traditional and elected leaders immediately went on record opposing the plans. During the mid 1970's, the 14,000 Palauans were successfully organizing local and international support to turn back a massive oil superport/ industrial center planned for Palau, with the support of the U.S. mili- tary. And today, after four years of struggle, the people of Palau are still defending the integrity of their Constitution in the face of strong pressures from the U.S. government.