eee ves ALL December 20, 1978 Page 2 Utirik Atolls, in connection with losses they suffered and continue to suffer as a result of radioactive fallout from the March 1, 1954 thermonuclear explosion at Bikinl. : The People at Enewetak suffered the loss of several entire islands which were eradicated by thermonuclear ‘test explosions and, depending upon the degree of success of the cleanup program currently under way, parts or all of other islands will remain of little or mo use to them because of radioactive contamination. They were summarily removed from their atoll December 21, 1947 and have lived a very difficult thirty years in exile. The cleanup and rehabilitation program scheduled for completion in April 1980 will contribute in a significant way to reestablishing the people in their homeland, but there is still much that will be needed to achieve the ultimate objective of the program: to reestablish them on their atoll in a state of social and economic well-being. In addition, because of the long term effects of ionizing radiation, there is need for a program which will continually reassess radiological conditions in the environment, monitor the radiological health of the people and provide treatment of any radiation related illnesses which might occur. The People of Rongelap and the People Utirik have similar claims and needs. Each is a separate group and each is a separate client of ours, but I will speak generally about both in this context. At Rongelap eighty-six people were exposed to an estimated radiation dose of 175 rads. Other members of the People of Rongelap who were at Ailingnae were exposed to 78 rads and at Utirik the estimated exposure was 14 rads. All of the exposure came from radioactive fallout of the thermonuclear explosion, fallout which was carried "upwind" from the Bikini test site. The fallout was so heavy it resembled snow and because the people were unfamiliar with such things, they did not know to take any precautions: children played in it as though it were harmless. It was two to three days before the people were evacuated by United States authorities. The People of Rongelap were not permitted to return to their atoll for a period of three years, and some of their islands are still subject to restricted use. ARCHIVES DOE BEST AVAILABLE COPY 2 cae