162 / 220
162
pontificia universidad católica de puerto rico
La conclusión 14 recomendaba:
An expression of the will of the citizens of Puerto Rico by popular vote on the
question of whether they wish to continue Commonwealth status capable of
growth and development or to change to either statehood or independence
would be helpful to all concerned. The Commission recognizes, however, that
it is for the people of Puerto Rico to decide whether, when and in what manner
they wish to express their preference. Such an expression should precede any
change in status
.
292
Finalmente, entre sus recomendaciones, formulaba la propuesta de
grupos de trabajo
ad hoc
,
los llamados
Ad Hoc Advisory Groups
, entre
representantes de Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico, para desarrollar
alternativas concretas o en transiciónhacia otro
status
, de salir triunfantes
estas en el plebiscito que se recomendaba.
293
Esas tres conclusiones
y recomendaciones marcarían el rumbo político de Puerto Rico por
décadas. En sus expresiones suplementarias se atisbaron importantes
senderos y controversias. El senador Henry Jackson, quien dirigiría
luego la Comisión senatorial con jurisdicción sobre los asuntos de Puerto
Rico, manifestó las siguientes reservas:
The relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico has been grounded
on the sound basic policy of mutual consent and self-determination. This
should continue to be our basic policy, consistent with the rights of all citizens
of the United States; but this does not change the fact that the Congress under
our constitutional system, retains the right to pass legislation from time to
time in the best interests of all citizens which could, in effect, alter aspects of
the relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico.
The genius of the American system of government rests, in substantial part,
in the diversity of origin of its people. We are a people who come from many
and differing cultures, races, creeds, and traditions. Common language has
brought us together as Americans.
The people of Puerto Rico represent an old and rich culture. We welcome
diversity; therefore, the distinctive culture of Puerto Rico presents no bar
as such to statehood. The unity of our Federal-State structure, requires
292
Ibíd.
, p. 8.
293
Ibíd.
, p. 9.