introduction of legislation in the Congress of the United States to
provide relief for the people of Rongelap, the compensation being

based on humanitarian principles.
“Mr. Wayne Aspinall introduced the 3111 H.R. 1988 to provide
for settlement of claims of certain residents of the Trust Territory
of the Pacific Islands.

It was reported out favorably by H.R.

110,

March 21, 1963 (to accompany U.k. 1938) and by S. Rept. 1257, July
29, 1964 (to accompany H.R. 1988 with amendment) and became Public
Law 88-485, 88th Congress, H.R. 1988, August 22, 1964.

In brief it

authorized payment by the Secretary of the Interior of $950,000 less
fees for legal services to the 82 inhabitants of Rongelap, or to
their survivors, affected by radiation exposures sustained following
the thermonuclear detonation of March 1, 1954.

This payment was made

in full settlement and discharge of all claims against the United

States arising out of the detonation.

:

Each exposed individual or

his heirs received approximately $11,090 as a lump sum.
* The people on Utirik who received 14 roentgens are said to
feel that they had been discriminated against vis-a-vis the Rongelapese:
They also were removed to Majuro, examined, tested, and taken back
to their atoll; and while their exposure fortunately was low, they

desired at least a token payment, perhaps in proportion to dose.
No one appears to have taken their point of view seriously until
iy

recently.
Copies of the committee reports from the House and Senate mentioned,

reveal some details which are interesting.

The original bill as

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