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PLANNING
The U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, together with other governmental agencies, planned for the return of the natives as soon as it was
considered that the residual radioactivity level was acceptable from a
health point of view.
At regular intervals, the Commission's representa -
tives made radiological surveys.
The data from these were carefully e-
valuated, and on 16 June 1956, Holmes & Narver was authorized to make
necessary surveys, a report of the existing facilities, and to prepare pre-
liminary plans for rebuilding the village utilizing criteria with respect to
space, facilities, and layout similar to that used in the construction of the
EJIT village at MAJURO Atoll in 1954
Coincidental with this request, a
radiobiological team was set up to make an additional rad-safe survey of
the area to determine steps necessary for landing engineers and constructors
on the island.
A reconnaissance party was dispatched to RONGELAP to inspect
existing facilities and determine field conditions; a report was filed on
25 June 1956.
The District Administrator at MAJUROalso filed a report
on 18 June 1956 containing a detailed preliminary statement of the needs
of the RONGELAP peopleon their return.
This reflected their requests
with respect to general criteria of living quarters, bath houses, eating
houses, cisterns, storehouses, and other buildings; re-internment of de-
ceased persons; and the clearing of land in certain areas for roads and
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OFFICIAL USE ONLY.