408777 R UNCLASSIFIED whe UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION WASHINGTON 25, D. C. October 5, 1955 Ronorable Delmas H. Nucker Deputy High Commissioner Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands P,O, Box 542 Agana, Guam, M. I, Dear Mr, Nucker: Tais is in reply to your letter of August 25, 1955* requesting information relative to repablriation of the Rongelepese, 4 more thorough analysis of the radiological data confirms our preliminary estimates, With the exception of one island (Naen), the external radiation levels for all islands should be below maximum permissible levels by December 1955. All islands should be at acceptable levels by late spring 1956. Whereas the activity found in fish is cecreasing with time, extrapolation of presently known data would indicate that the earliest possible date that might be estimated for unrestricted consumption would be in the spring 1956. An additional survey is now being planned for Rongelap Atoll and it is hoped that the data collected will be evaluated by December 1955 at which time we will be in a position again to make relevant recommendations. In view of this uncertainty it would appear advisable to defer any plans for repatriation at this time. ¢ Sincerely yours, K. E. Fields General Manager Thru: Director, Insular Affairs Division, Office of Territories Department of the Interior Washington 25, D. Cc. *Secretariat Note: On file In Division of Biology & Medicine.