1181 where he aavs—the article is titled, “ US. E Return to Bikini Island.” March ]9 h on the Sofety of Wine years ago the U.S. Government told the Bikini Islanders it was safe to Feturt to their atoll, opoe the site of pociear weapons tests in the Pacific Some of the islanders went home. But now the government bas found that fi wa. erone According to teste inst year the groundwater tn Bikini is still too redicactive for human consumption So are the cocoputs and fruits and vegetables grown in the still contaminated soll. So the Interior Department bac very quiet)s asked Congress for $15 million to move the islanders to another bocation. _ Why are you asking for more moneyif it is safe! Is it safe? Safe is a relative term, isn't it? ; Mr. Dray Yes.it is. If it was practicable for the people to only eat outside Tod and maybe have to drink outside water. then wethink that goes within the Federal standards, and that is the only guideline we have to go with. ; . . Since that is not a practical solution and we do see a rise in the cesium in the whole body counting. we believe that they should not be allowed to eat the foodon the island. and it is probably not a practical situation. Any additional resettlement should be on Encu Island where they can have their schools and other facilities. That is the direction they should move and not try to do that on Bikini Island. Mr. Yates. Should theystay there is the question. Whois exercising the judgment on whether they should stay there! Haven't the levels been increasing! Our friend has said they are almost up to the top of the Federal] standards. If they stay there, won't they go over the top! Mtr. Dear. The whole question is, if they were to not eat the locally son Bikini Island, would the radiation dose from cesium go dont Mr. Yares. What will you do, bring in box lunches? Mr. Dear. That is the impractical part of the solution. CURRENT FEEDING PROGRAM OX RIKIN1 _ Mr. Wixgex If I might speak to this it brings in the present time period part of the discussion, because What is being discussed illus- trates, as you have pointed out, oneof the difficulties of administration. Decisions must be d on available information. Our decisions have to be based on the information which vou have been given, which I also have been given, by representatives of the Department of Energy that Jocal conditions would be safe if ample outside food supplies were provided for the people on the island. In addition, we provided equip- ment for fishing in lagoon. The outside food is sent in on a regular basis. These food supplies, while not attractive in all respects from the point of view of the norma! diet, because some USDA preserved foodare included, provide a food standard which is in terms of nutrition far above the average as far as diet in the Trust Territory is concerned. Mr. Yarss. What does that meanf You deliver K rations to them! What kind of food are you talicng about ! , Mr. Wixxzx Dried foods, fresh fruits and vegetables from Ponape, as varied a Giet as far as protein, starch, carbobydrates is concerned. It is prepared by nutritionists. DOE ARCHIVES T0024 45