r t t ‘ - 5 - 4. ‘Several radiologiéat_surveys of. the Marshal Islands* 2 especially Rongelap ‘Atoll, “have been made during, ‘the past” two and one~half “years. “The latest survey (uly 23--2h, 1956) indicatesa’ presence of a residual contamination on the island of Rongelap, but at a level that ig acceptable from a health point of view; both for the potential external gamma radiation exposure and the strontiun- 90 coritent in the food‘supply, with the possible. exception of land crabs. " es 5, Therefore, it is recommended that the ‘position of the: Atomic Energy Commission should be that the Rongélapese could ’ be returned to their home island as’ ‘B00. as. ‘rehabilitation . a f procedures” on the. island of Ronigelap are completed, With, ‘the a7. advice that. land crabs not be eaten at.this time. | - “ ete 2 Lo wat . - ee z : ry . . see alte 6. “TheDepartment of ‘the Interior is ‘responsible for the Tae welfare of the peoples of the Trust territory ‘of‘thePacific Islands, and administers this area through its Office of Territories ‘and. the High Commissioner ‘of the Trust Territory. The ultimate decision, as ‘to the return of the Rongelap ‘people . , thus rests with ‘the Department of the ‘Interior; however, the Department of State must be consulted on all matters concerning - the Trust Territory which may affect our international relations. STAFF JUDGHENTS * 7. The Divisions of Military Application, Inforsation Services, Classification, Office of Special Projects, and Office of the General Counsel concur in the recommendation of this paper. we eeowe en "RECOMMENDATION2 Ey. Dre Sl er "8: “The.‘GeneralManager reconnends that ‘the“Atomte Energy ae Commission: ~ , - Co. -2- . - “Vepartihentof Enerqy S Histortan’s Gfs%: ARCHIVES _