Howard Koslow (American, 1924 - 2016) "Compact of Free Association" Signed lower left. Original Acrylic Painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. Today, the islands of the Pacific are viewed as jewels of beauty. But history has viewed the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia as jewels of another color; to the Japanese and Americans involved in the horrors of war, the islands were strategic gems. World War II brought destruction to the Pacific, shattering lives and traditions. After the war, the islands were placed in the temporary care of the United States as a Trust Territory and began a long journey to independence. In 1982, the signing of the Compacts of Free Association gave the islands authority in foreign affairs and made possible full internal self-government. The trip to independence was completed in 1986, with the dissolution of the Trust Territory, making the Compacts of Free Association official. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20 x 18 in. Unframed. (B12528)