Coos, : C - 2 in this matter and this afternoon we are extremely pleased to announce that ‘the United States Government has in fact been able to structure its research plans and programs in such a way as to permit an early return of the atoll to the people of Eniwetok. a c I em therefore authorized to announce that the United States Government is prepared to release legally the entire atoll to the trust territory government at the end of 1973, subject to retention of some minor residual rights. The trust territory government will in the coming months be working with the Department of Defense and the people of Eniwetok to settle the details of transfer and to make the arrangements for the survey, cleanup and rehabilitation of Eniwetok. In the meantime the United States is completing some research and development tests on the atoll which will not involve nuclear detonations of any kind ox type. These tests will in no way interfere with an early commencement of the rehabilitation process and will be completed by the end ‘of 1973. . .t Prior to the actual settlement of the atoll, it will be necessary to carry out the same type of survey, deainup and rehabilitation procedures that have been utilized for Bikini Atoll. As in Bikini, the schedule for | resettlement will dcpend on the results of the survey and the pace of the rehabilitation program. This schedule will be drawn up as soon as practicable. Department of Energy Historian’s Office ARCHIVES As an initial step the United States plans to commence’the survey of the atoll probably late.this summer. The cleanup and rehabilitation of the three