[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 51 (Monday, March 31, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S4554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         MOCKING PACIFIC ALLIES

  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, last week, the Washington Post saw fit to 
print an article entitled ``Many Willing, But Only A Few Are Able.'' 
Ostensibly about the U.S. and British-led force of the coalition now 
fighting in Iraq, the Post's article mocks the sovereign nations of the 
Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, 
and the Republic of Palau--three of our country's most steadfast allies 
in the Western Pacific. This is both offensive and undeserved. As 
Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee's subcommittee 
with responsibility for our relations with the freely associated 
states, I would like to set the record straight. In making this 
statement, I am speaking not only for myself but also on behalf of 
Senator Domenici, the chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources 
Committee. The citizens of these nations deserve better.
  The Post would have its readers believe that these Pacific islands 
are nothing more than banana republics. This is not the case. It is 
obvious to me and anyone familiar with the special relationship between 
our Nations that the Post is unaware of the islands' historical 
significance and continued role in our national defense. The Post's 
failure to learn the most basic facts about our allies is sloppy and 
irresponsible.
  These islands endured occupation by Japan under a League of Nation's 
Mandate and then saw some of the bloodiest fighting during World War 
II. It was the residents of these islands who endured the contests for 
Enewetak, Pelilieu, and Kwajalein.
  After the War, the islands were placed under the United Nations' 
Trusteeship system. The United States brought self-government and the 
development of political institutions. The Congress of Micronesia 
rejected both integration with the United States and independence in 
favor of sovereignty and free association and Congress overwhelmingly 
ratified the Compacts of Free Association. An important aspect of that 
relationship is the ability of citizens of the freely associated states 
to attend the United States military academies and serve in the United 
States Armed Services.
  As we speak, there are citizens of all three countries serving in 
Iraq in every branch of the U.S. military, ready to make the ultimate 
sacrifice. Marshallese citizens are fighting with the 101st Airborne 
Division and the Third Infantry Division, in harm's way and approaching 
Baghdad. The Federated States of Micronesia has hundreds of its people 
on active duty. Indeed, the son of the current President of Micronesia, 
Leo Falcam, is a Lieutenant Colonel with the U.S. Marines and commands 
an air squadron in Okinawa. Clearly, the Marshall Islands and 
Micronesia are contributing to the war effort.
  The Compact of Free Association has guided our relationship with 
these nations for nearly 20 years. During that time, these nations have 
been among our strongest allies in the United Nations and elsewhere. 
Their sons and daughters have known oppression and have volunteered to 
serve with our citizens to end despotism and terrorism. It is offensive 
to read articles like that published by the Washington Post that 
denigrate foreign nations and their citizens in an effort to ridicule 
President Bush and the administration.
  The Post conveniently forgets the outrages committed by Saddam 
Hussein against the Kurds and the people of Iraq and now chooses to 
insult good and decent people who have the courage to stand with the 
United States.
  As I said, I take issue with this article. So while the reporter and 
editor of the Post congratulate themselves on one more cheap and vulgar 
attack on the Administration, I would like to offer my apology to the 
thousands of citizens in our freely associated states. We owe them our 
gratitude for their commitment. The Post should be ashamed.

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