HEADQUARTERS
JOINT TASK FORCE SEVEN
APO 187 (HOW), c/o Postmaster
Sen Pranecdseo, California
30 Aprdl 1954
UTTRIKattlie
19 A
- The members of the survey party who are normally based
at minetee cine Operation CASTLE proceeded to Kwajalein by Cau7 aire
creft.
20 aw = The survey party assembled in the office of RalDM Clarke,
CON.
» at 1000 hours. In addition to the survey party and ADM
Clarke, Dr. John Bugher, Director of Division of Biology and Medicine
of the AEC, and Mr. Jack Tobin, District Anthropologist of TERPACIS, were
present. Cal Byars cutlined the purpose and schedule of the trip. Mr.
Todbim tranalated for the natives present. The possibility of having to
relocate temporarily the Rongelap natives was discussed briefly. The
conference adjourned at 1100 hours. After the conference, Mr. Totin
and Mr, Wilds representing TERPACIS stated that the natives were very
glad to learn that definite action is being initiated to return then
to their hanes.
In the afternoon, sembérs of the survey party and Dr. Bugher visited
the office of Project 4.1 and discussed the work of that unit with the
Project Officer, COR B. FP. Cronkite.
This unit works directly across
the street from the barracks in which the &2 natives of Rongelap are til-
leted. Project 4.1 has conducted extensive tests of cvacuated natives,
and results of the work will be made available to interested agencies.
At 1600 hours the eurvey party boarded the USS PHILLIP (DDE 198),
which sailed fran Kwajalein at 1800 hours.
A
@ The PHILIP entered the lagoon of Rongelap Atoll at 0700
hours
anchoredoff the beach of Rongelap Island. The entire party
went ashore in actor whaleboats and began a survey of the island. Chickens were seised without delay. No cther animals or domestic fowls wre
obeerved, except several cats. The three natives from Rorgelap assisted
the survey party in identifying buildings, locating cisterns and wells,
and answering questions. All six natives were active in the collection
of elickens and soil, water and food samples. The Rongelap natives transported to the PHILIP sewing machines and cther personal effects fram the
dwellings.
22a
~ The survey party was divided into two groups.
me group
returnadeengelep Island and continued the survoy of the native rill-
age. The other group proceeded by motor whaleboat to three islinds of
the Rongelap Atcll north of Rongelap Island. These islands were Busch,
44g