Zz DoE ARCHIVES Ui. ED STATES DEPARTMENT OF INTE. c Tu Ht4S / JR COMMERCIAL TRUST TERRITORY OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS CABLE ADDRESS HICOTT SAIPA OFFICE,OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER SAIPAN, MARIANA ISLANDS 86950 408392 R 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 tt 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 _ ENERGY Pu Rh oom bg SViy Ae RP Fe vba ¥ a . [% vot “7 F . eo oe. Seen bee . — a — ~ coe MITES 2 Gabe Beye : leST \ “ foLx; ~~. ¢. ter T. “Coleman Deputy High Commissioner BEST COPY AVAILABLE Ly rt) Bou Lb.. Sincerely,