introduction of legislation in the Congress of the United States to provide relief for the people of Rongelap, the compensation being based on humanitarian principles. “Mr. Wayne Aspinall introduced the Bill H.R. 1988 to provide for settlement of claims of certain residents of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. It was reported out favorably by H.R. 110, March 21, 1963 (to accompany H.R. 1988) and by S. Rept. 1257, July 29, 1964 (to accompany H.R. 1988 with amendment) and became Public Law 88-485, 88th Congress, H.R. 1988, August 22, 1964. In brief it authorized payment by the Secretary of the Interior of $950,000 less fees for legal services to the 82 inhabitants of Rongelap, or to their survivors, affected by radiation exposures sustained following the thermonuclear detonation of March 1, 1954. This payment was made in full settlement and discharge of all claims against the United States arising out of the detonation. Each exposed individual or his heirs received approximately $11,000 as a lump sum. *The people on Utirik who received 14 roentgens are said to feel that they had been discriminated against vis-a-vis the Rongelapese: They also were removed to Majuro, examined, tested, and taken back to their atoll; and while their exposure fortunately was low, they desired at least a token payment, perhaps in proportion to dose. No one appears to have taken their point of view seriously until \ recently. ‘Copies of the committee reports from the House and Senate mentioned, reveal some details which are interesting. The original bill as -14- ¥UB tn er he :EES ony PURE fe:nero. ate? | -- ay Legs