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We dedicate this section to Guam's political status quest for Free Association (short form: FAS) - and to our brothers and sisters at Hijos de Borinquen of Puerto Rico, who also advocate Free Association.

Any time you see or hear "FAS" it means Free Association. When you see or hear "Fanhongge FAS" - that's Chamorro for "believe in Free Association"... a takeoff on the Chamorro slang "fanhongge chaddek" meaning "believe fast or quick".� Maybe we'll get you to join us in spreading the word on FAS... remember:

The following speech by Mr. Jose Ulloa Garrido, Chairman of the Task Force on Free Association, was given at a University of Guam forum on May 3, 2000:

�� "Free Association is a political status that a non-self-governing territory may attain in order to be recognized as having reached a full measure of self-government.� Free Association should be (without outside interference) the result of a free and voluntary choice by the People of Guam (the People who have been placed in a position or status of subordination since 1898), in the exercise of their human right to self-determination to determine Guam's political future.

�� It is a relationship with the United States in which Guam enters into a negotiated agreement delegating to the U.S. certain powers, usually defense and foreign matters, for a specified time, in return for firm economic and financial assistance and assured security and obligation to defend Guam.

�� Free Association can best be understood as a progressive political enhancement for the decolonization and economic development of Guam and her People.� It is founded on the principles of shared sovereignty, international economic interdependence and cooperation.

�� Under Free Association, Guam and the United States would formalize their relationship in the form of a treaty of mutual cooperation.� Such a treaty would not only recognize Guam's sovereignty, but it would also provide Guam and the United States with a well-defined enumeration outlining the powers and obligations (responsibilities).

�� Such a treaty shall not only protect Guam's national interests by clearly delineating the scope of U.S. power on Guam, but it also has the dual beneficial effect of clearly defining the U.S.' future interest and relationship to the island.

�� While a treaty of Free Association has different concepts and meanings reflecting the different countries and island cultures, Guam's treaty may also accommodate the diverse interests of both the United States and Guam.

�� Our model of Free Association shall rest on existing foundations of Guam/U.S. relationship:� U.S. citizenship, mutual currency, U.S. security and defense, and mutual economy.

�� Free Association is a political status, centered between two extremes, that is an acceptable change from the "status quo" capable of accommodating both Guam and U.S. interests while guaranteeing the cultural and linguistic survival of the Chamorro People. It represents the most historically relevant, as well as politically and economically feasible answer to the island's colonial status.

�� Under Free Association with the United States:

�� 1. Guam would be full self-governing, capable of administering its internal affairs without outside interference.� Guam will have control over its Customs and will have the right to negotiate treaties to stimulate the island's economic development through regional and international trade agreements.

�� 2.� Guam will control immigration and establish its own nationality and citizenship.� All U.S. and Guam-born U.S. citizens will retain their American citizenship - unless they choose otherwise - and they will have the same rights and privileges as any other American citizens.

�� 3.� Guam and the United States will exchange diplomatic representation to ensure cooperation in international matters.� Guam would also be eligible to become a member of the United Nations.

�� 4.� Guam and the United States will share a common and free market.

�� 5.� The United States will maintain its authority and responsibility over the island's defense under agreements by both Guam and the U.S.� These agreements will be critical in preventing military abuses, toxic waste dumping on our island, and transporting nuclear wastes in our waters.

�� 6.� All federal property on Guam will be transferred to Guam.� The Chamorro Land Trust will be affirmed.� Excess lands will be returned to the original landowners or their heirs.

�� 7.� Guam will retain the use of U.S. currency.

�� 8.� The United States will provide Guam economic and financial assistance equaling or more than the total amount of money that Guam currently receives from the U.S. government.� Individuals currently receiving social security, civil service retiree, and veterans benefits will continue to receive these benefits.

�� 9.� Guam and the United States shall agree to amend the treaty only in accordance with Guam's Constitution and in the best interests of the People of Guam.

�� There are many more issues that can be part of the negotiation - too numerous to mention.� The bottom line is that we have "a say" in what happens to us.

�� In retrospect, rather than sever our ties with the United States, we propose strengthening our relationship in the form of a bilateral treaty of Free Association, rooted in the recognition of Guam's political sovereignty.

�� Rather than reject Guam's "status quo," we seek to build upon it the historical precedents and unfulfilled aspirations of our former leaders, our elders, and the Draft Commonwealth Act, by striving to create a true bilateral compact with the United States that removes Guam from the U.S. Territorial Clause and returns the "freedom to choose" to the People of Guam.

�� Free Association shall provide the common ground upon which most of the People of Guam and the United States may meet to preserve each one's political, economic, social, and cultural interests.

�� Free Association offers not only economic and political freedom, but also dignity, respect, and self-worth as a People.� We must survive as the People of Guam.

Contact Information:

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