The U.S. Involvement in the Asia Pacific : The Administrative History of Guam under the Naval Government

DOI IR Web Site Open Access

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • アメリカのアジア太平洋地域に対する 軍事的関与の構造 : 海軍によるグアム島統治史を中心に
  • アメリカ ノ アジア タイヘイヨウ チイキ ニ タイスル グンジテキ カンヨ ノ コウゾウ : カイグン ニ ヨル グアムトウ トウチシ オ チュウシン ニ

Search this article

Abstract

The U.S. military enjoys virtual extraterritoriality in its foreign military bases. Neither the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, nor the laws of the host countries are applied in them. This has caused "massive injustice" such as environmental destruction and human rights violations on a daily basis in the Asia Pacific region, where the U.S. deploys almost half of its military power. This paper examines the case of Guam between 1899 and 1909 to explore the origins of military extraterritoriality for U.S. foreign military bases. During this period, the Department of the Navy battled with Congress for the power of taxation and land control of Guam. Secretaries of the Navy argued that since neither the Constitution nor the federal laws were applicable to the island, naval governors are entitled to exercise exclusive administering authority. Congress, on the other hand, tacitly allowed military administration by “forbearing” to make any legislation pertaining the island. The paper finds that Guam's anomalous status made President, as a Commander-in-Chief, an absolute authority over the island. And the navy was delegated full authority by President, thus allowed to temporarily exercise authority while Congress does not take actions. It should be noted that Congressional omission has led to serious violation of rights of the residents of Guam

Journal

  • 広島平和科学

    広島平和科学 34 117-143, 2012

    広島大学平和科学研究センター

Related Projects

See more

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top