The Beast in Paradise: The United States Navy in Micronesia, 1943-1947

Abstract

Between 1943 and 1947, American strategic planners became convinced by the experiences of the Pacific War that future security could only be guaranteed by the complete control of Micronesia. In general, civilian policy makers and advisers believed that security requirements could be met through the device of international trusteeship. Aware of Soviet accusations of territorial aggrandizement and imperialism, civilian officials thought that American control under a United Nations facade would salvage the American image while ensuring security in the Pacific. Military officials, on the other hand, usually saw outright annexation as the only way adequately to fulfil American security requirements.1 While there were these important differences between military and civilian leaders over the form of control the United States should exercise in the Pacific, there was nevertheless a general consensus that American security required turning the Pacific Ocean area into an American Lake.2