5 WASHINGION, D.C. MCRANDUM FOR: Lao oJ M THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFEN _ 3 400 655 703061 Secretary of the Army Secretary of the Navy Secretary of the Air Force Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff SUBJECT: DOD Support for Cleanup of Enewetak The United States conducted nuclear tests at the Enewetak Atoll from 1948 t0 1958, Prior to these tests the people of Enewetak were moved to another location (Ujelang Atoll). A commitment has been made by the United States Government to return the people of Enewetak to their former home, but before this can be accomplished radioactivity on all the islands must be reduced to a minimum, and all scrap and debris removed. Later, homes and community centers must be built for the people, crops planted, and resettlement completed. The Department of Defense has been designated to complete the cleanup phase, with the Atomic Energy Commission providing radiological guidance, and the Department of Interior carrying out the rehabilitation and resettlement. The Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) has been desig- nated by DOD as its executive agency for the "clean-up", Depending on appropriation of funds and final publication of the Environ- mental Impact Statement, DNA working with the Corps of Engineers will commence the cleanup phase. It is expected the work will be accomplished by contract and that construction of the base camp will begin by mid-calendar year 1975. The entire cleanup and rehabilitation is expected to be completed in about three years. This will entail a major effort and will require tri-service support. All funding will be requested from Congress by DNA. Any assistance required from the services should be coordinated in advance. However, unexpected .requirements or emergencies may develop which will dictate requests for help that have not been planned. Your assistance and support of the Defense Nuclear Agency in such instances is requested in order that this difficult task may be completed. 9005194