atoll on March 6, square miles, 1946. > Rongerix has a dry land area of 2,05 we scattered over epproximately 1/7 isiands. has a lagoon area of 55.38 square inkles. than the 2.32-square-mile lana area and This It is much smaller 229.40-square~mile lagoon aree of Bikini, with its 36 islands Tne attempt to settle at Rongerik was a failure, Gue to the insufficient natural resources. Investigation convened by the Navy on June that allegedly <A Board of 2, 1947, recommended the displaced Bikinians be moved again. The Bikiniane through their leader "King" Juda, as he was erroneously christened by romantically minded newsmen, accom- panied by three leaders (alab) of Bikini, inspected Rongerik, Kili, UWjilang, Wotto and Ujae to try to find a suitable place in which to relocate their people. The Bikini people were interested in getting back to their ancestral home as rapidly ag possible and had allegedly regarded resetticoments as only in inspecting these August sent 26, 1947 past and future temporary. The period from June 2, 1947, spent tne possible the council of to September 1, 1947, was resettlement the ex-Bikini areas. On people on Rongerik the following letter to the American authoritics: (translation): "To the Office at Kwajalein: ; Gentlemen: We the council have held a meeting to find the best place to go to. We have been to some other places to inspect and have conSiLdercd them. In moving we find it quite a problem. The place we all agreed to stay on is Rongerik Atoll. 1 s/We, The Council gms 9009013