GCONDDENAAL
ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
RETURN OF RONGELAPES® TO THEIR HOME ISLAND
Report to the General Manager bythe
Director of Biology and Medicine
1. To determine the advisability of an early return
of the Rongelapese to their home island in the Marshalls.
SUMMARY
2. After the relatively heavy fallout on the Marshall
Islands March 1, 1954, 82 inhabitants were evacuated first to
Kwajalein and then to the Island of Ejit on Majuro Atoll where
they are now living.
There have been public statements, con-
curred in by the Atomic Fnergy 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. Since the Rongelapese are now subsidized by the
United States Government, with little need or opportunity to
actively engage in normal livelihood, there is the risk of an
onset of indolence, to the detriment of the best interest of
the Rongelapese.
ergy
Department of En
Historian’s Office
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