PALAU-BALAU AND THE COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION

Motion Text

That this House notes with dismay that the small Pacific island chain of Palau-Balau, the world's first nuclear-free nation was forced to sign a Compact of Free Association with the USA under threat of economic aid withdrawal; observes that the USA has agreed to give money to the republic of Bilau for a limited time in exchange for a perpetual option to use one third of the land and water for military and nuclear purposes; believes that the might of the USA should not be exerted against a nation with only 15,122 people; therefore urges the USA not to take up the military/nuclear option of the Compact of Free Association; and notes that any attempt to use the option for nuclear purposes would violate the Pacific nuclear-free zone as well as violating the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and would risk adding to the genetic damage already perpetrated on Pacific peoples.