F

DDE498: VLil: GWA: wk

Hé-1

Serial:
%01l
5 Mar 1964

it was explained that it was to the best interests of the Rongelap
people to leave the atoll and that the PHILIP was there for that
purpose. Mr, \ilds was present during all the conversation with
John the Magistrate and was of much assistance as also wes LCOR
V. L. MURTHA, Executive Officer of the PHILIP whose Majuro Island
Gevernment background proved very helpful in convincing the Marshellese that they should leave,
4, The information that the people would leave Rongelap was passed
very quickly. Each person was asked to bring a small handbag as the
only baggage since the monitors readings indicated a high dosage on
sleeping mats, palm baskets, and other personal belongings, It is
considered very important that once the accepted leader is established
end identified thet all reauests be made through him without exception,
This procedure expedited the entire operation.
5, It was decided to utilize the PBM to transport the elderly and the
sick to Kwajalein. John designated sixteen (16) persons and this party

v-3 embarked in the aircraft in about an hour and a half after the

party first landed, These passengers are listed in Enclosure (1) which
is forwarded herewith.
6S

Fortunately, the Marshallese were not reluctant to leave the island.

7,

The forty eight (48) remaining Marshallese were transported via two

The magistrate expleined that the people had been sick and he obviously
deduccd that ell of the people would soon be provided the necessary
medicel care. John was apprehensive about the safety of his boct, a
50 foot sloop. The sloop was towed by the ship's whole boat to a beticr
lee, Two ancnors were dropped and the boat appeared to be in good holding
ground,
“nhip's whale boats to the PHILIP.

enclosure (1).

Names of evacuses are listed in

&, De-contamination of the Marshallese commenced immediately upon en.
barkation., Routes had been previously established and the de-contamination teams on station ready to guide the passengers to the de-contamination center (after crew's washroom). Clothing was placed in two G.I, cans
aft and after a thorough shower clean clothes were readily available at
the exit.

The cr2w donated sufficient white

and dungares trousers,

dungaree and "T" shirts without which the de-contamination could not have
been as effective,
2
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