te ee ) J BOD 6 785 dus copy December 20, 1966 Dear Stew: I em writing in response to your letter of December 7 concerning your interest in returning the Bixini people to their home atoll. We have for some time been aware of the difficult life of the Bixini people at Kili and would like to see them returned to their mative atoll. There was a scientific survey of both Eniwetok and Bikini in 1964 carried out on behalf o= the Atomic Energy Commission by University or Washington scientists. Although it was not done with the specific purpose in mind of determining whether or not the atolls were habitable for normai Marshall Island living, the data collected will help us arrive at a conclusion in the matter even though it will in all probability have to be supplemented by some additional intornmation. I have asked our Divisions of Operational Safety and Biology and Medicine to study the matter and develop tne information necessary to come to a decision. Cordially, Chairman The Honorable Stewart L. Udall Secretary of Interior F236310e fa 235° we De. FILSO VF gfiua Pal egpepme eee CLASSIFIED CONFIRMED TO BE UN | CH6-4y | DATE: ee y: DOE/SA-20 Me t io Ts