Marshall Islands: U.S. Recognition and Diplomatic Relations since 1776

Summary

On June 25, 1983, four years after the Republic of the Marshall Islands became self-governing, the United States and the Marshall Islands began negotiations to sign the Compact of Free Association. On October 21, 1986, the Compact was agreed upon by both nations and entered into force. The Compact ended the U.S. Trusteeship Agreement with the Marshall Islands, giving the nation the right to exercise self-determination, although the U.S. would still be responsible for the defense of the region. In return, the U.S. was granted the continued use of the Kwajalein Atoll for military purposes.

Modern Flag of Republic of the Marshall Islands

Recognition

U.S. Recognition of Marshall Islands, 1986

The United States recognized the independence of the Marshall Islands on October 21, 1986, when the Compact of Free Association between the U.S. and the Republic of the Marshall Islands entered into force, ending the Marshall Islands’ former status as a United Nations Strategic Trust Territory.

History of Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of the Office of the U.S. Representative in Majurio, 1986

Prior to the establishment of diplomatic relations, and Office of the U.S. Representative in Majurio opened on October 21, 1986, under Samuel B. Thomsen.

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 1989

Diplomatic relations were established on July 26, 1989, when President George H. W. Bush signed into law H.R. 2214, approving diplomatic relations with the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Establishment of the American Embassy in the Marshall Islands, 1989

The Office of the U.S. Representative was elevated to Embassy status on September 9, 1989, and on June 27, 1990, William Bodde Jr. was appointed U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Marshall Islands.

Resources

Where this page came from

This page was imported from U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776, published by the Office of the Historian of the U.S. Department of State: a work of the United States government, in the public domain.

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