: co ES DEPARTMENT OF INTERIC UNITE, STAT TRUST TERRITORY OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS By. PT. ~o FOee? 4s Vf,é COMMERCIAL OFFICE OF THE INGH COMMISSIONER SAIPAN, MARIANA ISLANDS * Chairman CABLE, AUDRYESS £0950 HICOTT SAIPAN JUN A £1989 Oe - : : U.S. Atomic Fnergy Commission Washington, D.C, 20545 “Dene Six: | | BESTCOPYAVAILABLE As J am sure you have been informed, the first clean-up phase of rehabilitation on Bikini Atoll is proceeding admirably and in timely fashion under the command of Colonel k.W. Rawlings, USAF of the PASA Joint Task Group 8.8, Bikint, he Trust Territory Government is concurrently Lixming up its plans fox subsequent operations, particwlarly the replanting of coconuts in all islands of the island which are considered radiologically safe for at Jeast short visits. In this lattes connection, we are anxious to know whether it may be possible to include the several small islands of the "Oboe--Peter-Tare” complex (Acrokdj, AcxvokSjl611, Enceman etc.), in the south-central portion of the atoll, within the scope of our imnediate agriculture program, A number of coconut trees are reportedly still growing on these islets, which would hopefully augment the Bikiniaens“local food supply over the next Sew years ponding the maturing of new plantings. Also, to be able to include these islands in the present planting effort would have positive implications for the carlicr recovery of the cconony. Informally, we have learned from AFC representatives now on Bikini that it may be possible for the "Oboe--Pcter-Tare"” complex to be declared "safe" at least for planting purposes. Residency is not contemplated, since housing for the returning populetion is te be concentrated on the two islands of Bikini and Enyu. Lo We would appreciate it, however, if the Comnission could advise whether we may hope for radiation--free certification for the above named island group in the near future, in ordex that we can make proper inclusion in our planning and budgeting. Sincercly, REPOSITORY DoeLPa COLLECTION M ¥ 2’ ¢ | Doe, & 2 oobi‘ we. ew CALE ol . Deputy High Commissioner