The Tongan islands were united in 1845 under King George Tupou I and became a constitutional monarchy in 1875. Although Tonga was recognized by the United States in 1886, it entered into a protectorship agreement with the British Empire in 1900. This agreement maintained Tongan autonomy, but placed sole control of its foreign affairs with the British Foreign Office. Tonga hosted U.S. military forces during World War II in Tongatapu, which became a major transit hub for the Allies’ shipping lanes during the war. After Tonga withdrew from its British protectorate agreement in 1970, the United States accredited the U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, Fiji, and Western Samoa to Tonga. Since then, the United States and Tonga have enjoyed close cooperation on a range of international issues. The United States does not have an embassy in the Tongan capital of Nuku’alofa; instead, since 1979 the U.S. Ambassador to Fiji is also accredited to Tonga and resident in Suva.
Recognition
U.S. Recognition of Tonga, 1886.
The United States and the King of Tonga signed a Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation in Nuku’alofa on October 2, 1886. The treaty entered into force in 1888 but was terminated on July 28, 1920, by the British Foreign Office on behalf of the King of Tonga.
In 1900 when Tonga became a protectorate of Great Britain, the British Foreign Office undertook control over all Tongan external affairs, and the U.S. ceased to appoint consul-generals to Nuku’alofa.
Consular Presence
The first U.S. Consul-General to Nuku’alofa, Church Howe, was appointed on June 30, 1897 and replaced by Luther W. Osborn on July 26, 1897. The post was resident in Apia, Samoa, and closed in 1901.
Diplomatic Relations
Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 1972.
Tonga became an independent and sovereign nation within the British Commonwealth on June 4, 1970. On October 4, 1972, the United States accredited its Ambassador to New Zealand, Fiji, and Western Samoa, Kenneth Franzheim II, to Tonga; however, Franzheim resigned from his post in Wellington before he presented his credentials to Tonga on November 6, 1972. He resigned as U.S. Ambassador to Tonga shortly thereafter in January 1973.
Change from Wellington to Suva, 1979.
Beginning in 1979, the U.S. Ambassador to Fiji has also been accredited to Tonga, resident in Suva. On April 11, 1979, John P. Condon presented his credentials to the Tongan government.
Treaties & Agreements
Treaty of 1886 Terminated, 1920.
The treaty signed in 1886 was terminated on July 28, 1920, with the exception of the article which allowed ships of war from each country to enter the other’s ports.
Key Diplomatic Events
Treaty of Friendship and Protectorship, 1900.
In 1900 the King of Tonga signed a Treaty of Friendship and Protectorship with Great Britain. The treaty delegated sole authority of Tongan foreign relations to the British Foreign Office, although it maintained Tongan autonomy. Subsequent amendments to this agreement gave further powers over internal Tongan affairs to the British, thus eroding the true autonomy of Tonga.
Entry of Tonga into the British Commonwealth, 1970.
On June 4, 1970, Tonga officially withdrew from its protectorship agreement with Great Britain and instead became a part of the British Commonwealth.
Tonga
Original Tongan Words
‘E ‘Otua Mafimafi,
Ko ho mau ‘Eimi koe,
Ko Koe ko e falala ‘anga,
Mo e ‘ofa ki Tonga:
‘Afio hifo ’emau lotu
‘Aia ‘oku mau fai ni,
Mo ke tali ho mau loto
‘O malu’i ‘a Tupou.
English:
Oh Almighty God above,
Thou art our Lord and sure defence,
In our goodness we do trust Thee
And our Tonga Thou dost love;
Hear our prayer, for though unseen
We know that Thou hast blessed our land;
Grant our earnest supplication,
and save Tupou our King.
Tonga celebrates its long history and heritage, and its position as an island nation, through various festivals throughout the year. Some are localized, such as the Vava’u festival and regatta, while others are celebrated nationally, such as the annual Heilala festival. Most Tonga holidays and festivals take place during the dry season, and each presents a unique experience.
‘Eua Tourism Festival
Held on the island of ‘Eua, this is one of the first festivals of the annual calendar. It is held in the second week of May and attracts visitors from around the globe to experience and learn about traditional Tongan culture.
Ha’apai Tourism Festival
Held in the second week of June every year, this festival showcases the islands’ finest culinary and cultural delights. It is designed to attract tourists, and plenty come to experience the relaxed atmosphere and to enjoy and learn about traditional Tongan cooking and culture.
Heilala
The largest festival in Tonga is celebrated nationally. On July 4, Tongans celebrate the birthday of their king, which is then followed by a week-long festival. Almost like clockwork, this time of year coincides with the flowering of the heilala, which is Tonga’s national flower. The locals are proud of this beautiful tropical flower that unfolds a pink, cross-like shape, and as part of the festival, they adorn themselves in heilala necklaces.
Vava’u Festival & Regatta
This week-long festival is held in the last week of September every year. Different activities are scheduled each day, including boat races around the island, although possibly the best day is a culmination of the week’s events at the traditional Tongan Cultural Feast at Ano Beach, which turns into an all-night party.
