A declaration of independence was issued on 19 January 1972. Oliver and his associates were looking forward to a libertarian society without any form of economic interventionism—no taxes, welfare or subsidies. They created their own currency and informed neighbouring countries of their independence via letters containing their declaration of independence.
This made other countries in the area suspicious and a conference of neighbouring states was held on 24 February 1972. During this conference Tonga made a claim over the Minerva Reefs and it was recognised by the other states. On 15 June 1972 Tonga published the proclamation of it's ownership of Minerva. A Tongan expedition was sent to enforce the claim and the flag of the Republic of Minerva was lowered. In 1982 a group of Americans again tried to reclaim Minerva, but met with Tongan troops and were forced off the reefs. It has been speculated that Minerva has mostly been reclaimed by the ocean.
