Because of growing population pressures and a shortage of productively inhabitable land areas in the Marshalis, it is the obligation of the United States to'return to civilian uses any areas which are excess to its needs, The total land area of the Marshall Islands is approximately 70 square miles. With a 1967 population of approximately 19,000 the square mile ratio is 270. Killi has a land area of 0.36 square miles. On the other hand, Bikini atoll has a land area slightly in excess of two square miles. Its lagoon area is about 229 square miles. Bikini atoll is greatly changed as a consequence of the tests which were conducted there in the late 1910's and the 1950's, Some islands have . totally disappeared; others are mere send spits; still others have been diminished in size as a result of wave action; and all have suffered some loss of topsoil. ther than the main islands of Bikini and Enyu, they have a sufficiently high radiation level that continuous habitation is not yet possible and their damaged condition precludes substantial agricultural development at this time. Bikini and Enyu are overgrown with a jungle-like stand of scrub vegetation which will sustain neither subsistence nor commerce, replanted to coconuts and other food crops. This must be cleared and the island Additionally, all islands are littered with the remains of the testing programs. These remains, some of which are dangerous because of deterioration alone, some because of residual radioactivity, and others because they would interfere with or preclude agricultural redevelopment, must be removed before the Bikini people can be permanently resettled’ on the atoll. provided. Housing and community facilities are non-existent and need to be