DESIRABILITY, PROBLEMS, AND METHODS OF ACHIEVING NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE: OPINIONS OF CITIZENS AND SENATORS OF THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESI

The Problem. This study examined the differences of opinion between the political leaders and citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) regarding the problems the nation would face in achieving independence and the methods to be used in solving those problems.;Method. A questionnaire was formulated to gather the opinions of a majority of the elected representatives (10 senators) and 103 citizens of the FSM regarding the issues under investigation.;Results. Both groups felt that the FSM had the agricultural, natural, and marine resources necessary for achieving self-sufficiency without United States assistance. They also believed that the people had "some" desire and motivation to build an independent nation. They felt that with the greater development of tourism, foreign investment, manpower skills, education, and the acquisition of needed technology, existing resources could be expanded to support an independent government.;When they were asked about the capability of the nation to establish an independent government with reduced or without United States financial contributions, both citizens and senators expressed feelings of doubt. The majority of the respondents felt that the FSM were "somewhat capable" of independence, but that there would be "somewhat of a problem." Among the citizen respondents, 42 percent (but none of the senators) reported that they felt the FSM were "not capable" of becoming a self-sufficient nation without United States help, and a majority (63 percent) foresaw "great difficulties" in so doing. The factions expressing the greatest pessimism were females, younger persons, and those who had more than a high school education. Respondents from all the Micronesian states expressed a "great problem.".;The citizens generally felt that it would be impossible for the FSM to become independent with reduced or no United States assistance; they would like to become independent, but only if independence would not mean painful sacrifices or abolishment of the enjoyable features of Western lifestyles.