Placing into Full Force and Effect the Compact of Free Association With the Republic of Palau

This proclamation formally terminates the U.S. trusteeship over Palau and places the Compact of Free Association into full force and effect on October 1, 1994, completing Palau's transition to self-governing sovereign status after 47 years of U.S. administration under the UN Trust Territory system.

Federal Register 59 FR 49777

No PDF available for this document.

Impact dates

Oct 1, 1994
Trusteeship Agreement terminates and Compact of Free Association enters into force

Key directives

Determine that Trusteeship Agreement ceases with respect to Palau effective October 1, 1994 at 1:01 p.m. local Palau time
Declare Compact of Free Association in full force and effect as of October 1, 1994 at 1:01 p.m. local Palau time

Timeline

Immediate

Proclamation issued September 27, 1994

Near term (90d)

Compact enters into force October 1, 1994
Trusteeship Agreement terminates for Palau

Long term

Palau assumes self-governing sovereign status
Ongoing U.S.-Palau free association relationship with defense and economic provisions

Risks & tensions

Compact includes U.S. defense access rights to Palau territory, with strategic implications for Pacific power projection
Implementation of economic assistance and immigration provisions under Compact may create administrative friction
Palau's small size and geographic isolation may challenge full self-governance capacity