APPENDIX "A"
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND
1. On March 1, 1954, a relatively heavy fallout occurred
on some of the Marshall Islands as a result of a nuclear weapons
test at the Eniwetok Proving Ground.
Between the 36th and 50th
hour after detonation 82 inhabitants were evacuated to Kwajalein
where they were under the surveillance of a team of medical
experts from the United States.
On June 9, 1954, they were
moved to the Island of Ejit (Majuro Atoll) where they are now
living.
2. There have been public statements, concurred in by
the Atomic Energy Commission, Department of Interior and the
Department of State to the effect that these people will be
returned to their home Island of Rongelap as soon as health
considerations permit.
Such a statement was submitted to the
17th Session of the U.N. Trusteeship Council, Subcommittee of
Petitions, March 27, 1956 by Mr. D. Vernon McKay, Special
Representative of the Administering Authorities for the Trust
Territory of the Pacific Islands.
3. Several radiological surveys have been made of the
Marshall Islands,
1954.
especially Rongelap Atoll, since March 1;
The results of these surveys are contained in the
several reports by the cognizant laboratories and are being
summarized in one report by the Division of Biology and Medicine
(in preparation).
Papartmment of Eneroy
«angi
Office
pistorian’s
ARCHIVES
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CSP
Appendix "A"