DRAFT 3 25 Nov 47 RELOCATION WEAPONTESTING _ President Trumansigns a directive for the removal of natives from Enewetak. Secretary of Defense Robert S. Lovett recommendsthat the forthcoming news release on the selection of a proving ground at Enewetak ought to mention that the natives are not nowliving in any historic home but instead on islands to which U.S. forces moved them during World War II." 1 Dec 47 RELOCATION WEAPONTESTING The AEC announces the selection of Enewetak Atoll as a site for proving grounds because it has the fewest inhabitants to care for and is isolated. The U.S. governmentwill transfer the Enewetak inhabitants to sites they will select and will reimburse them for the lands utilized. The AEC explains that the establishment of these proving grounds is necessary to provide a suitable area to verify by experimentation “indicated results" of laboratory studies. Bikini is unsuitable for such testing because it lacks sufficient land surface for the necessary scientific information. 21 Dec 47 RELOCATION The Navy moves 145 Enewetak inhabitants to Ujelang prior to U.S. testing nuclear weapons at Enewetak.'® 31 Jan 48 RELOCATION Ona visit to Rongerik Leonard Mason, a University of Hawaii anthropologist, and James Milne find a critical food shortage affecting the Bikinians."° 14 Mar 48 RELOCATION ” The Bikini evacuees are moved to a temporary camp on the Kwajalein Navy 16 Apr - 16 May 48 «. WEAPONTESTING The United States conducts three nuclear weapon tests at Enewetak as part of Operation Sandstone.'* 28 Apr 48 ADMINISTRATION The AEC goes on record as desiring that Enewetak Atoll be retained as a permanent proving ground for nuclear weaponsafter the completion of Operation Sandstone.’ 18 Jun 48 CONGRESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP The House of Representatives and the Senate establish a joint congressional committee of 12 members to recommendlegislation to administer the Pacific Islands trust territory and SOO83bI