RESETTLEMENT OF PEOPLE 1979 concinued ment merchandise, in particular “un- to northern Enjebi Island poses little health threat to the people: “Cancer mortality in the lifetime of the population is estimated to be less than a authorized retail goods purchased from the inexpensive Kwajalein stores, found in Marshallese belongings are confiscated. single (additional) case." SEPTEMBER Bikini: The DOE publishes in "The people of Kwajyalein do not recognize the validity of that iease. When it was negotiated, the Army promised to help the people of Ebeye with social and economic problems. So did the Trust Territory. That lease was signed on the basis of those promises. Those promises have not been kept.” Marshall Islands Representative Ataji Balos, 1976. Marshallese and English a full color booklet entitled: “The Meaning of Ra- diation at Bikini Atoll.” OCTOBER Bikini: DOF scientists call a meeting to present the booklets to the Tt says Bikini people living on Kili. that the exposure of the Bikini people would be within U.S. radiation stan- dards if they return to Eneu Istand at Enewetak: The 200 inhabitants of Enjebi Island vote to return to their island in the north, despite the recommenda- tion of the representatives of the DOE and the Interior Department against to 25 years. resettlement of Enjebi at this time The scicntists reply that ‘they have no knowledge of such state-~ because of the higher radiation levels still present from the ten nuclear tests conducted on the one-third of a square mile island. ments. "The population of Enewetak has the right to know that 4a value judgement has been made for them, 1980 MARCH Enewetak: The Defense Nu- namely that induction of cancer Is They may, :f their only concern. informed about hypothyroidism, aplastic anemia, premature aging, benign tumors and other such disorders, make a different judge- clear Agency announces that the Enewetak cleanup is finished. The total cost of the cleanup and rehabilitation (replanting, house construction, etc.) phases is $218 million. Bikini, impore 502 of their food and spend not more than 10% of their time on Bikini Island. Then Senator Henchi Balos asks the DOE scientists why they now have this position when just two years ago government officials said Eneu Island would be off limits for 20 ° ment.“ Dr. Rosalie Bertell, APRIL Enewetak: The entire Enewetak population returns for ceremonies marking their long awaited return to their atoll. MAY Enewetak: The Enewetak Atoll Master Plan designates islands within ti:ree miles of off limits Rumit Island as safe for picnics and fond gathering. commenting on the Bender and Brill Enewetak study (see 1979). Enewetak: Actual resettiement beyxins with about 500 people moving Ca three of the southern islands: Medren, Japtan and Enewectak. DECEMBER Enewetak: The Interivor Depart- MAY Kwajalein: The commander of Kwajalein Missile Range, Colonel Peter Wittereid, following the recommendation of the CIA, authorizes Kwajalein secu- ment urges the Congress Co approve and set aside funds for a resettlement of Enjebi Island ac a future date when radiation levels drop to “permissible” rity police to search Marshallese who enter and leave Kwajalein, Any govern- levels. (continued on page 37) 35