ey: BiXiNT ISLAND ERS’ LOSS * ‘ “4% ad 3 ‘ ’ ' \ yet ? Continued from 9th Page mittee on the Bikimans’ preferences was accurate as far as it went. But, from Times mterviews with more than a dozen Bikinians on their condemned island last month, it was apparentthe high commissioner failed to convey the depth of their feelings, especially their reluctance to be resettled in the Marshalls, particularly on Kili. “Kill,” they said again and again, “is bad, Kili is no good.” With only one exception, they said they wished to be resettled in Hawanor Florida. Milton Anien, born on anotherisland but married into a pixini family, putit this way: “We would like to be with youin Amer- ca always. We like you. We would lixe you to keep your promise to the Ekin: people, to take care of us. “You made a promise to the Bikini people, so we would like to comelive with vou —and vou can support the people of Bikin as much as you can —live with you so the American doctors can watch me and my family because I worry about tne radiation, worry about the radiation night after night. . . . Everybody here says this.” Magistrate Tomaki Juda. appearing before the subcommittee once again, said that although there was deep sorrow and bitterness among his people and although “life on Kali is difficult,” he concurred in the high commissioner's decision to relocate them at least temporariuy on that island. Then he suggested practical measures which he said were necessarv to make Kilt hvable—construction of a 2.000-foot airStrip and an all-weather, all-season pier, establishment of a medical dispensary, a newschool, renovation of homes and community facilities. Consideration also should be given, he said. to relocating some of the people on JabworIsland at Jaluit Atoll. The Bikini: leader also made it clear that a “4 oo. i wo o4.8 kay tt? RIAD a a tte in addition to relocating the people, and making their new homeland liveable. the United States had further financial obligations. It was too soon to discuss details, he said. but, “we feel that our people, especially the elderly ones. are entitled to compensat:on from the United States . for their remova! from Bikini and for the virtual destruction of Bikini and otherislands.” _ Congress has now approved the $15 million for relocating the Bikinians, and building materials are being purchased for the |? temporary housing for them on Kili. Plans are under wayfor the Kili pter,al- | though some persons familiar with the surf conditions do not believe 1t is feasible. Planning also goes aheadfor the final removal of the people from Bikini next month. One last matter: Ruth Van Cleve said in Washington that although old Andrew Jakeo cannot continue to live on Bikini,it 1s possible that after his death he could be buried there with his ancestors. But she added, “I think we would want to get firm word on that from the scienlusts.” —-—~