exposure rates plus some spot sampling of soile, ground waters, food such as coconuts and errow root, fish, birds, and land animals--rats, and coconut crabs. This sampling program was not designed with the objective of being a basis for making a decision as to whether or not the natives could properly be returned to the Island with or without restrictions for specific: corrective measures being undertaken first; nevertheless, it provided a good basis for discussion. The data indicated that the Island of Enyu at the SE corner of the atoll contained the least radioactivity from the standpoint of tolerable external exposure and in plante and edible food samples. However, it was felt that the land area of Enyu was too small to sustain a coconut economy program for 200¢ people. More area than Enyu alone is felt necessary. If this island were considerably larger there was every possibility that one might safetly return the whole group there. The largest land area is the Island of Bikini. Unfortunately, the Island of Bikini's external dose rate euggests an accumulated dose 3 ft. above ground slightly higher (by less than a factor of 2) than the 500 millirads per year considered acceptable for individuals by the FRC under ordinary circumstances. The 1964 survey data indicated that certain foods were contaminated to some degree and some relatively free of contamination. Pandanas was relatively high but the few samples available were not appreciably higher than at Rongelap. The coconuts, edible parts including meat and juice, contained tolerable levels of strontium-90 and cesium on both Bikini and Enyu Islands; arrow root corms would probably also not be a problem. The one coconut crab sample from Bikini was quite high in strontium-90 as |. are coconut crabs at Rongelap, but there seemed to be very few on the atoll. .The Island of Namu which has very sparse re-growth of bushy vegetation except on the periphery of the Island has apparently become quite spontaneously a bird sanctuary with thousands of nesting birds. Shore birds at Namu and elsewhere around the atoll had quite high levels of cesium and could constitute a problem for persons leaning heavily on these for their dietary intake. It became obvious a decision regarding the advisability of returning the natives to Bikini was not going to be a simple one, although it was agreed that the radiation levels per se did not outrightly preclude sending the people back. A consensus feeling was that it may be possible; nevertheless, there would have to be some restrictions on their activities and/or specified countermeasures taken prior to their return, Dr. Conard pointed out that he and the Medical Survey Group would be going to Rongelap the end of February for a medical check-up on the people and that the Trust Territory vessel would probably be available for a’ group to go to Bikini either then or about March 15. Mr. Milner indicated that this indeed was a likely possibility although he would y HQ at Guam. have to check with the Trust Territor neroy Denartment ae -3- prickoniet'S Gree ARCHES