411475 United States Department of the interior Galo (MuS3- CacatonVil | RECeet iad14 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240 : AKG - Woenq MUL OS wm Dear Madam Chairman: Sinc2 1972, the displaced people of Enewetax Atoll] have repeatedly requested that an advance party of about fifty people from Ujelang be allowed to return to Japtan Island on Enewetak. Tha request was made based on their assumption that the southern islands were radjologically safe and therefore there should be no barrier to a return to that portion of their homeland after being away over 25 years. We support’ this request but heretofore have been unable to entertain it until the Radiation Survey Report was completed and recommendations were forthcoming as to the safety of certain living patterns among other things. Ye belfeve it is in the best interests of al] the parttes to take steps to return an advance party of Enewetakese to Japtan. This fs also held to be desirable by the Trust Territory Government and they are prepared to offer logistic support to accomplish this. A preliminary plan for raturn fs enclosed. . To this end, we request that the Atomic Energy Commission address the safety aspects of the proposed return and establish guidelines which include all restrictions necessary to reasonably insure the wellbeing of the returnees. Ye have had repeated assurances that if people were allowed to return they were aware that certain restrictions would be necessary and would abide by them. Finally, we would appreciate tt if these guidelines could be forthcoming before mid-August. We have tentative plans to meet with Trust Territory officials and the people of Enewetak in late August and believe it desirable that a joint statement be made at that time announcing our favorable response to their request to return an advance party to Japtan. we are most apprectative of the Commission's work to date on the Enewetak problems and look forward to a continued good relationship leading to the final safe return of all the people of Enewetak. Sincerely yours, (sgd)} Stanley 5. Carpenter Stanley S. Carpenter Director of Territorial Affairs Hon. Dixte Lea Ray, Chairman Atomic Energy Cormission dasnington, 0.C. 20545 BEST COPY AVAILABLE