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ED STATES DEPARTMENT OF INTE.
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COMMERCIAL
TRUST TERRITORY OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS
CABLE ADDRESS
HICOTT SAIPA
OFFICE,OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER
SAIPAN, MARIANA ISLANDS 86950
408392
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Chairman
oo pepeGOEL,
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Washington,
D.C.
JUN 11 1969
20545
Dear Sir:
As J am sure you have been informed, the first clean-up phase of
rehabilitation on Bikini Atoll is proceeding admirably and in timely
fashion under the command of Colonel R.W. Rawlings, USAF of the DASA
Joint Task Group 8.8, Bikini.
The Trust Territory Government is
concurrently firming up its plans for subsequent operations, particularly the replanting of coconuts in all islands of the island which
are considered radiologically safe for at least short visits.
In this latter connection, we are anxious to know whether it may be
possible to include the several small islands of the "Oboe~Peter-Tare
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complex (Acrokdj, AerokOjlol1, Eneman etc.), in the south-central
portion of the atoll,
program,
within the scope of our immediate agricultural
A number of coconut trees are reportedly still growing on
these islets, which would hopefully augment the Bikinians"“local food
supply over the next few years pending the maturing of new plantings.
Also, to be able to include these islands in the present planting
effort would have positive implications for the earlier recovery of
the economy.
Informally, we have learned from AEC representatives now on Bikini that
it may be possible for the "Oboe-Peter-Tare" complex to be declared
"safe" at least for planting purposes.
Residency is not contemplated,
since housing for the returning population is to be concentrated on the
two islands of Bikini and Enyu.
We would appreciate it, however, if the Commission could advise whether
we may hope for radiation~free certification for the above named island
group in the near future, in order that we can make proper inclusion in:
our planning and budgeting.
aS
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Sincerely,