DRAFT 6 1-16 Nov 52 RADIATION WEAPON TESTING The United States conducts two nucleartests at Enewetak in Operation Ivy.* Joint Task Force 132 observes no significant radioactive fallout from the detonation of the Ivy Mike shot, the first full-scale thermonuclear device fired by the U.S. 20 Dec 52 WEAPONTESTING W.K. Phillips, chief of staff at headquarters of the CINCPACEFLT, states that "the significance” of a danger area for radioactive fallout for safety purposes from nuclear testing “is not of great importance” but that the danger area is convenient for security matters. He adds that for Operation Ivy the joint task force maintained surveillance of all shipping within a 500-mile radius of the Enewetak shot site and conducted specific searches downwind up to 800 miles away.” 5 Jan 53 WEAPONTESTING CINCPACEFLT recommendsto the AEC a danger area of 160°35’-166°28' east longitude and 10°15’-12°45’ north latitude for conducting nucleartests in the Pacific.” 6 jan 53 LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY The AEC confirms its retention of Bikini Atoll and Enewetak Atoll for an indefinite time for use in testing nuclear weapons. Simultaneously the Commission recognizes that the atolls’ former native inhabitants may have land rights. Because the Departments of Navy and Interior are discussing which agency will adjudicate such rights, the AEC "will look to whichever agency it is agreed will ... adjust claims" against the AEC. Meanwhile, the AEC acknowledges "that the Interior Department will administer the trust territory governmentin these atolls and exercise surveillance over the former native populations.” —— 5 Feb53°°°5' os WEAPONTESTING© ne r vy T.T.. High Commissioner Elbert ‘D. Thomas protests the proposed eastern _ extension of the nuclear test danger area because the enlargement would include about two-thirds of Ailinginae Atoll. Thomas contends that removalof that atoll from use would harm the Rongelapese who obtain fish and other food from Ailinginae. He urges limitation of the proposed danger area boundaries to exclude Ailinginae and all other Marshall atolls and islands except Bikini and Enewetak. Thomas recommends an eastern danger area boundary of 166°17’.“ 2 Apr 53 WEAPONTESTING The AEC enlarges the PPG to include Bikini as well as Enewetak.” 28 Apr 53 WEAPON TESTING pom lr? av C3 en CF} Brig. Gen. K. E. Fields, AEC director of military application, establishes a new danger area around the Pacific Proving Grounds of 160°35'-166°16 east longitude by 10°15’-12°45’ north latitude.