. Fe] "Though there probably will be some measurable increase in the radioactive body burden of the Bikinians after they have returned and are living on the atoll, it will be very low and is not expected to cause any medical problems,” Dr. Conard said. Dr. Conard has just returned from the Marshalls. While there he visited Kili Island where the former Bikinians now live, and began his baseline studies on about half of the first Bikinian work party which will be going back to help rehabilitate the atoll. The Bikinians are not expected to move back in large numbers- for several years. The Department of the Interior which is responsible for the Marshall Islands, expects the full rehabilitation of Bikini, including rebuilding the village and replanting the coconut groves, to take about six years. Cleanup of the heavy undergrowth and radioactive scrap has begun already under direction of the Department of Defense, Defense Atomic Support Agency with assistance from the AEC and the Trust Territory government. 5/1/69 (NOTE TO EDITORS AND CORRESPONDENTS: Similar information also is being issued by the Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York.) <n REPRgETRRSe ee i Se : eee ee eR ne ere tae “oe preRRSPe enema ETT wrens SGIEr,Smee : a ‘ Moa ot erty : t a ee by, " t - t