tta Tae following comments apply to the proposed Bikinf re-settlement program es appended to the letter, David 8. Black, Secretary of the Interior to Cherles J. Zwick, Director, Burenu of the Budget, dated Hovember ¢, 1963, with copies to the Atomic Energy Commiasion and Department of Defense. Page 1, par. 2. Change to read....The President's announcesent was based upon s finding that exposure to radiation that would likely result from repatriation of the Bikini people does not offer « significant threet to their health and safety ané that these exposures may snd should be reduced by taking certain simple Precautions. Page 2, por. 1. The statement on o U. 8. obligation regarding retara of lend to civilian use {s superfluous since the decision in this case has already been unde. Suggest deletion of this paragraph. Page 2, par. 1. Split into two paragraphs and change to reed...» The islande of Bikini atoll are greatly changed as 8 consequence of the teats vhich vere conducted there in the late 1950's and the 1950's. Some islands have dieappeared or the remnants are sere sand spits; still others heave been diminished in sise as a result of blast effects and/or vave action; and loss of topsoil for the ielends cf the atoll varies from sero to almost 100%. While it has been determined thet the island complex from Bikin{f to Eneu is eafe for continuous habitation, radiation levels in the other perts of the atoll precludes continuous use. These other islands and island complexes may be visited for purpoees of food collection (bird, turtles, their eggs, etc.), but present eomlitions on these islands precludes substantial agricultural development at thie time. Bikini and Eneu axe overgrown with a jungle-like stand of scrub vegetation which will sustain neither subsistence nor ccmerce. This vegetation must be cleared and the two islands replanted to coconuts and other food crops. BPE oa ecve 8tl. Page 4, per. 1. Additionally, most of the islands Change to read....The Atomic Energy Commission has an interest because the Commtssion, under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and its amendments, is given certain responsibilities to protect health end minimize danger to life or property from hazerds thet may be associated vith activities in which AEC hae REPOSITORY COLLECTION Doe/ PASO Doe/,MV soxne LGA? EROA® 2” Fotben BIKAF valkfiveew 2.7 7H/eee / / 9S