Since 1899, Guam has been ruled by Governors who have invariably been naval officers. "Ruled" is used advisedly, because under the modified Spanish code still in effect in Guam, the Governor is the supreme authority in all executive, judicial, and legislative matters. He can enact laws by proclamation, execute them as he sees fit, and can amend or suspend court decisions, Neither the Constitution nor the general laws of the United States apply to Guam. The Chamorros are not citizens, but the Prohibition against the yellow race does not apply to them and, under certain conditions, such as the completion of an enlistment in the Navy, they can become naturalized citizens.
Except for San Luis d'Apra, midway on the western side of the Island, Guam has no har-hour of importance. At present Apra Harbour, as it is commonly known, is badly obstructed by coral heads and reefs, but if it were improved, a huge fleet could easily be accommodate. To make it an absolutely safe anchorage in typhoon weather, about three miles of sea-wall must be built, most of which could be economically constructed because it would be built on a coral reef which is awash at low water.
Because of its small size and comparative isolation, Guam can be defended by a relatively small force. There are only a few places where landings can be effected, and the heavy jungle 35 a deterrent to offensive military operations.
With heavy batteries installed in the sides of commanding elevations, adequate anti-a craft defence, underground aerodromes and submarine moorings, Guam can readily be made invincible against any except an un interfered with major effort by an enemy. The only qualifying feature isthe matter of supplies, but if Gibraltar can be stocked for three years, so can Guam.
Guam can maintain an air force equal to or superior to any similar enemy force that can be based within a distance of 1,200 miles, and provides excellent natural facilities for an extensive submarine base. A circle with a radius of 1,800 miles, centred at Guam cuts every important irate'rowe in the Western Pacific. No enemy operating from the Far East can afford to pass by an unreduced Guam in any thrust toward the Eastern Pacific, or to the southward.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.