A correction is warranted in that the island of Guam was not purchased by the United States pursuant to the conclusion of the Spanish-American War in 1898. It was the Philippine archipelago for which $20,000,000 was specifically itemized under Article III of the 1898 Treaty of Paris (signed 10 December 1898), that Spain received compensation for its losses during the war.
Article II of the Treaty references the “ceding” of Porto Rico (sic) and Guam by Spain to the United States.
It should also be made clear that attempts at reunification were initialized in 1962 and again in 1969 by the Northern Mariana Islands and each of which was rejected by Guam. The impetus by the NMI for such a move was largely for its people to avail of educational opportunities on Guam so that they, in turn, could raise their standard of living. Additionally, remaining issues of contention regarding Japan’s invasion of Guam and the “participation” of NMI Chamorros during this event are often dealt with through generalities and this is a major failing. These are complex discussions at best. The events that led to what became historic reality need to be revisited, however painful in order for closure by all involved parties.
GENEVIEVE S. CABRERA
NMI cultural historian
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