Nauru : phosphate and political progress

Abstract

Nauru: Phosphate and Political Progress is the story of David and Goliath in a modern political setting in the South Seas. Controlled, protected, or occupied successively by Germans, Australians, British, and Japanese and then again by Australians under U.N. Trusteeship, all (except Germany) for the purpose of exploiting the island{u2019}s one resource - phosphate - Nauru is one of the smallest and most isolated islands in the Pacific, with a mere 3000 inhabitants. The struggle the Nauruans waged against Australia was not only for political independence but, more important, the right to control the phosphate industry for the benefit of the Nauruans. Their victory will encourage dependent minorities throughout the world. This book is a timely and important work that will be read with pleasure and profit by all interested in the progress of colonial territories towards independence.