\ es 6 3 United states Department ofthe interior OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON,D.C. - 20240 ree A nD ms LAR “ogee Dear Madam Chairman: Since 1972, the displaced people of Enewetak Atoll have repeatedly requested that an advance party of about fifty people from Ujelang be allowed to return to Japtan Island on Enewetak. The request was made based on their assumption that the southern islands were radiologically safe and therefore there should be no barrier to a return to that portion of their homeland after being away over 25 years. Ne support, this request but heretofore have been unable to entertain it until the Radiation Survey Report was completed and recommendations were forthe coming as to the safety of certain living patterns among other things. We believe it is in the best interests of all the parties to take steps to return an advance party of Enewetakese to Japtan. This is 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 return is 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. We 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 it 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 appreciative of the Commission's work to date on the Enewetak problems and look forward to a continued good relationship teading to the Tinal safe return of all the people of Enewetak. Hon. Dixie Lee Ray, Chairman Atomic Energy Commission Washington, D.C. 20545 ERVE AMERICA'S % ° COS 8 ENERGY tey ne ; Dee \ ~: . . ae , AL Wee 4 5 Pye Wn oP se CASA 3u Save Energy and You Serve America! of; Li Sincerely yours