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RADIOLOGICAL CLEANUP OF ENEWETAK ATOLL

ceremonies marking the formal, legal return of Enewetak Atoll to the
people. The ceremonies took place on 16 September 1976 on the lawn in
front of the Battle of Enewetak Memorial. BG Lacy represented the Uniteq
States Government in the signing of agreements by the Honorable Pete;
T. Coleman, Acting High Commissioner of the TTPI; the dri-Eneweta,
Iroij, Johannes Peter, and the dri-Enjebi Iroij, Binton Abraham (Figure 2.
9). The District Administrator of the Marshall Islands, Mr. Oscar DeBrum
also was present, while Mr. Earl Eagles represented HQ DNA.2&2

Originally, it had been expected that this transfer could take place in
1973, however, resolution of numerousdifficult issues regarding residual
rights of the United States and use of the TTPI as an intermediary —as wel}
as the higher-priority cleanup and rehabilitation planning—had required 3
years. The people’s attorney did not want the TTPI involved in use
agreements for the DNA cleanup forces, the Coast Guard LORAN
Station, or ERDA’s marine biological laboratory. However, DNA and
DOI attorneys contendedthat the trust agreement precludedtheir signing
agreements directly with the people.263 The matter was resolved by

preparation of agreements involving the TTPI but signed concurrently by
the dri-Enewetak. Documents signed on 16 September1976 included:

a. The agreement terminating rights, title, and interest of the United

States to Enewetak Atoll under the 1944 agreement with the TTPI.264

FIGURE 2-9, ENEWETAK ATOLL TRANSFER CEREMONY.

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