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APR 4 ~ 987
Bonorsvlea Cari T. Durhen
Chaicman, Joint Coumtttee on
Atoaic Ruergy
Congress of the United dtates
Dear Yer. Durbaas
After the relatively heavy faeliont on the Marshali Islands March 1,
19%, Sc inhabitants were evacuated first to Evajnlein and to Ejit
where they ax now living.
There bave been public stotenents, con-
curred in by the Atomic Energy Commiesion, Department of Interior
and the Oeportaent of State to the effect that theee people will de
returned’ to their home Island af Bongelap as soon a0 health con
siderations pormit. Guch s statement was submitted to the l7th
Sausion of the U. 2. Trustesship Cowneil Subcommittee of Petitions,
Marth 27, 1956 by Me. Vernon Ds MoEay, Special Representative of
the Administering Authoriides for the Druat Verritory af tac Pacific
Islands.
Several radiological surveya of the Marenali Islands, aspecinily
Romgeisp Atoli, uave been made during the peat two and one-half
years.
Tas iatest survey (duly 23-24, 1956) indicates a presence of
& rewidual contanipation on the Iceland of Rengelap, wit at a level
that ic ecceptable trom 6 hesith podist of view, both for the potentiel
external gauma radiation exposure and the strontiua-%) content in the
food supply, with the possibie exception of lan’ crabs.
Toerefore, the position of the Ataste Energy Commiscion is that the
Rongelapese could be returned to their home loland ac soon as re~
habliitation procedures on tae Teland of Rougelap are completed,
with the advice that land erabea not be eaten at this time.
The plans
Yor the return of the Ronpelapese have been concurred in by the De-
partaent of Interior vhich ts the Government agency responsible for
BOOT COPY AVAILASLE
-~
the Truat Territories, awi by the Department of Utate.
L$
BOX No.
Sec,efe
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