Ae a tae a UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF InTEMOR TRUST TERRITORY OF THE PACIFIC - Fon a. ISLANDS COMMERCIAL OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER CABLE ADDRESS SAIPAN, MARIANA ISLANDS HICOTT SAIPAN 96950 February 21, 1968 Refer: HOA:WKS-245 Mr. William A. Bonnet Manager, United States Atomic Energy Commission Honolulu Area Office P, 0. Box 580 Honolulu, Hawaii REPOSITORY poe _ couecrion WV 96809 sox ne, L228, “sepa *2° ° B10 - MED, DA. Con 2f/ —~24. 7HE FOLDER Dear Mr. Bonnet: We have been corresponding with the District Administrator of the Marshall Islands in connection with the lease agreements for the Utirik and Rongelap sites and are encountering more problems than anticipated, I have received a reply from the District Administrator raising questions concerning the terms of the Rongelap lease on which I would appreciate your advice, The District Administrator advises that the rental asked may he $100 or more per acre per year and that the owners feel that the improvements should become property of owners at termination. He also stated that an indefinite term is not acceptable, He suggests 25 years, With the 120 day termination clause, I see no problem here, He also raises the question as to whether the improvements will be permanent or temporary and whether they may be used by the people when not used by the Atomic Energy Commission. I am enclosing a draft of an agreement between the landowners and the Trust Territory Government for the site in the center of the island, This lease has been mailed to the District Administrator for his comments before any renegotiations are begun with the owners, I would also appreciate your comments. As you may know Mr, Shoecraft has been appointed Chief Justice of the Trust Territory and is no longer associated with the Attorney General's Office. I have only recently been employed by the Trust Territory and am not completely aware of all that has transpired in the past ten years or so in connection with these AEC sites. Being some 2,000 miles away from the Marshall Islands also complicates matters, This will partially explain what I am sure appears to be undue delay in the completion of this matter. However, I wish to assure you of my full cooperation in getting these agreements completed, Sincerely yours, ao AK 72 i ut cf Donald R, Tindal Acting Attorney General Enclosure FASO g