DDE498: VLM: GWA; wk He-] Serial: 101 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, Wilds was present during all the conversation with John the Magistrate and was of much assistance as also was LCDR V. L. MURTHA, Executive Officer of the PHILIP whose Majuro Island Government background proved very helpful in oonvincing 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 delongings. It is considered very important that once the accepted leader is established and identified that all requests 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 forvarded herewith. & Fortunately, the Marshallese were not reluctant to leave the island. The magistrate explained that the people had been sick and he obviously © deduced that all of the people would soon be provided the necessary medical care, John was apprehensive about the safety of his boat, a 50 foot sloop. The sloop was towed by the ship's whale boat to a better lee, Two anchors were dropped and the boat appeared to be in good holding ground, 7, The forty eight (48) remaining Marshallese were transported via two “hipts whale boats to the PHILIP. Names of evacuees are listed in enclosure (1), 8. De-contamination of the Marshallese commenced immediately upon en- barkation. Routes had been previously established and tho de-contamina- tion teams on station ready to guide the passengers to the de-contamina- tion 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 crcw donated sufficient white and dungaree trousers, dungaree and "T" shirts without which the de-contamination could not have been as effective, Dacia, -BOp Dig Declassified pop DIR 200.10 iy 2 Sif}, ed 6. 209, 10