“FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND...” Marshall Islands people have borne the brunt of U.S. military activity in Micronesia, from nuclear weapons experiments and missile testing to relocations of people and radioactive contamination of people and their environment. All, as an American military com sander said of the Bikini tests, "for the good of mankind and to end all world wars." Of eleven United Nations Trusteeships created after World War II, only Micronesia was designated a "strategic" trust, reflecting its military importance to the United States. The U.N. agreement has allowed the U.S. to use the islands for military purposes, while dDinding the U.S. to advance the well being of the people of Micronesia. Western nuclear powers have looked on the Pacific, because of its small isolated popu- lations, as an “ideal location to conduct nuclear activities unwanted in their own countries. In addition to Bikini and Enewetak, the U.S. has tested nuclear weapons at Johnston and Christmas Islands; the British at Christmas Island and in Australia; and the French con- tinue to test at Moruroa and Fangataufa Atolls in "French" Polynesia. More than 180 atomic and hydrogen bombs have been detonated in the Pacific region since 1946; over 100 by the United States. The health and safety of people, be they Marshallese or American citizens and military personnel, has been a very low priority in the U.S. government's nuclear testing program. AS Commissioner Libby of the Atomic Energy Commission said in 1953: “People have got to learn to live with che facts of life, and part of the facts of life are fallouc." The Marshall Islands Chronology tells the story of U.S. military activities in the Marshall Islands and thei: effect on Marshallese peoples’ story that has remained wumtold for too long. zekeaex lives and environment. It is a kkk TABLE OF CONTENTS WEAPONS TESTING RESETTLEMENT OF PEOPLE Yperation CROSSROADS begins at Bikini 4 Bikinians' First Relocation, 1946 S 3ravo H-bomb test at Bikini, 1954 6 Enewetak People Moved to Ujelang, 1947 9 Radioactive Fallout Contaminates People 8 Kwajalein Landowners Evacuated for Tests 1% 12 Crisis on Ujelang 17 <wajalein Missile Tests Begin 16. Bikini Declared Safe for Habitation 19 inadequate Medical Treatment Protested 22 Enewetak Cleanup Planned 23 Enewetakese Force Cancellation of Tests 24 Ebeye: A Biological "Time Bomb” 27 Study Shows Unexpected Cancer Increase 26 Bikini Resettlement Attempt Fails 31 Marshallese Health Problems Worsen 32 Kwajalein People Occupy Islands sources 36 Bikini, A Nuclear Waste Dump? tongelapese Return Home 5 0 0 1957 q ly “33 37 |