The Solomon survey mission visited all districts. Its classified report found islander income about one-third of 1939 levels and favoured steering a plebiscite.

What happened

Economist Anthony Solomon’s team spent about six weeks in the territory under instructions to accept the US military priority of keeping other powers out. It found too much government, a stagnant economy and only 2 to 5 percent support for independence. Jensen says it recommended a vote in 1967 or 1968, and a reportedly suppressed section discussed ways to secure a vote for permanent ties with the US.

Why it matters

When nationalists leaked it in 1971, the report deepened Micronesian distrust of US intentions.