542

RADIOLOGICAL CLEANUP OF ENEWETAK ATOLL
THE JAPTAN SETTLEMENT

When it was announced, in April 1972, that the United States Would
relinquish Enewetak Atoll to the dri-Enewetak, many of them wanted tg
return to the atoll immediately. During their visit to the atoll the followin
month, however, it became obvious that much work was required before
the residence islands could support any significant population. Their
leaders proposed that an advance party of approximately 50 people move
from Ujelang to Japtan, the former home of Iroij Johannes Peter. They
would live in the existing buildings and prepare additional temporary
quarters so that most of the population of Ujelang could live on Japtan

until the U.S. Government could provide permanent housing. This ideg

evolved over the next few years into the concept of a settlement on Japtan
of approximately 50 people who would assist, consult, and advise the
cleanup and rehabilitation forces in their efforts. The concept was

proposedto the U.S. Government officials at every opportunity. 83.84.85

At the 7 September 1974 conferenceat theatoll, it was agreed that some
50 dri-Enewetak, including Planning Council members, could return from
Ujelang and live on Japtan, contingent on Congress approving and funding
the cleanup project. This number was considered about the maximum that
the island could sustain. To promote the safety of the early returnees

during cleanup operations, the following conditions were established:86

a. No visits would be permitted on the northern islands, from Runit to
Biken.
b. Scrap collection and stockpiling would be undertaken only with
approval of the TTPI District Administrator’s representative
(DISTADREP).
c. Visits to Enewetak Island must be coordinated between the
DISTADREPandthe site manager of Enewetak Base.
d. Visits to other southern islands would not be made without specific
prior approval of the DISTADREP and, then, only in accordance with

his instructions.

These restrictions were promptly adopted by the Council of Enewetakin
an ordinance which madeviolations punishable by $100 fines.87 Theyalso

were incorporated into an agreement between DNA and DOI in which

DOI was made responsible for assuring the provision of all necessary
subsistence and support for the Japtan settlement and for law enforcement
among the returnees, including their compliance with pertinent DNA
regulations.88 This agreement was implemented by a Field CommandTTPI agreement which detailed the on-atoll responsibilities for support

and law enforcement.89 The Marshall Islands District developed a planfor

preparing temporary quarters and other life supportfacilities on Japtan; for

Select target paragraph3