—— -9The People of Enewetak The people of Enewetak were unceremoniously removed from their atoll on December 21, 1947 and taken directly to Ujelang atoll where they have lived to this day. In their absence, 43 nuclear tests were conducted at Enewetak atoll, including the world's first thermonuclear explosion on November 1, 1952, the Mike test. That explosion and the later Koa explosion completely "vaporized" three islands. The decision to permit the return of the people to their atoll was announced in 1972. An elaborate program for the clean-up, rehabilitation and resettlement of the atoll has been underway for several years and is, in fact, scheduled for completion in the spring of 1980. The clean-up program, conducted under the auspices of the Defense Nuclear Agency, is an outstanding success and we have enjoyed a very productive and cooperative relationship with the Director of the Defense Nuclear Agency, Vice Admiral Robert R. Monroe, and his staff. The program has exceeded all original objectives. This Committee was kind enough to authorize the rehabilitation and resettlement program for Enewetak atoll in 1977. That program, under the auspices of the Department of the Interior, has gone reasonably well. Return to Engebi - The Enewetak resettlement program, as currently planned, does not include resettlement of Engebi island, the traditional sy yee er reps. mp ye TTFETT ee : ten ot: “oe tee « ge?