DRAFT 14 28 May 54 CLAIMS LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY AEC Chairman Lewis Strauss requests the Secretary of Defense to consider settling claims of the Marshall islanders resulting from the weapon test activities because the Federal Tort Claims Act precludes the AEC from covering Marshall islanders’ claims.” 3 Jun 54 CONTRACTOR RADIATION Through a contract with the AEC the University of Hawaii agrees to manage the newly created Enewetak Marine Biological Laboratory on MedrenIsland, Enewetak Atoll. The AEC/DBM provides policy direction and sponsorship. The laboratory will serve as a base ofinformation about the systematics, ecology, and life history of the atoll’s flora and fauna.” 21 Jun 54 ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL RELOCATION Maj. Gen. E. McGinley, U.S. Army chief of staff, lists the following as responsible for the care and disposition of the Rongelap and Utirik Atolls inhabitants: Thomas A. Hardison as the CJTF-7 representative at Enewetak for the temporary care and disposition of the Marshallese affected by Castle Bravo; CINCPACFLT for overall responsibility for restoration of atolls with AEC assistance and for the return of inhabitants; the T.T. high commissioner for routine welfare and care; and the AEC/DBM for monitoring the physical conditions of the Rongelap and Utirik residents. The JTF-7 is paying for such matters as certain medical expenses for the evacuees, replacementof livestock lost because of contamination, and the construction of a _temporary village for the Rongelapese at Majuro Atol 1.7" 9 Jul 54 CLAIMS ...... . LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY The DODgeneral counsel agrees to accept Marshall Islanders’ personalinjury, damage, and private property loss claims received by the AEC because the Foreign ClaimsAct authorizes the United States armed forces to pay such claims under $5000. 12-13 Jul 54 ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL RADIATION Participants in a conference on surveys and studies of the Marshall Islands agree to the need for a series of long-term medical and environmental surveys for an indefinite time of the Marshall Islands and their inhabitants affected by the nuclear weapon testing. Dr. John Bugher assumes that the DBM will bear financial responsibility for such work but expects the trust territory to handle normal medical care. "Ourjab is to see that it is done and that the facilities are provided," Bugher says. mm em