July 25, 1968 Depending upon the availacility of funds, the initial contingenc of returnees might be settled within 2 year. In the meantime, Bikini workers would be engaged in clearing, planting, and building activities. — Return of all of the Bikinians now living on Kili might be accomplished within two years. However, resettiement assistance will be required for @ much longer period. Tne atoll is now virtually devoid of edible or : ' economic plants and a feeding program will be required until subsistence fooderops reach adequate levels end commercial crops come into production. It takes approximately seven years for newly planted coconuts to pecome fully productive. The coconut is essential to life on a coral atoll, providing food, drink, building materials, anc, equally important, virtually the sole source of cash. There is attached a draft announcement regarding the proposed resettlement of the Bikini people. Bikini and the desire of she people on Kili to return has recently been in the news and there continues to be widespread interest in these people. For these rcasons, I request and urge your public announcement of the decision that the Bikini people can and will be relocated on their hone atoll of Bikini. 4 Secretary of the Interior