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Enewetak

fo

TO

: W.E.Nayvik, Tach Dir,NVOO

FROM

: J.A.Tobin, Comamity Development Advisor, Marshalls District,TIPI.

T

10/10/72

(On special assignment on Enewetak).

SUBJECT: Info requested by you in re specific needs of returning Marshallese,
to Enewetak Atoll.

It ahould be understood ani emphasised that the following information is
tentative, It is based on my knowledge of the Marshallese in general and
the former inhabitants of Enewatak in particular. It is not official

information. Specific snewars must be obtained from these thanselves

before specific plans and commitments are nade.

When I return to Hajuro next wosk I will atteupt to gather more data. However,
as i told both you and Roger Ray, I feel that the anewers mist come fron the
Fnewetak People theaselves and that a meeting on Ujilang between you (AEC) and
other appropriate representatives and the community is absolutely
essential.
Planning must be mutually understood and the Rnowetak Paop
be Involved

in all significant aspects of the planning. This is, of course, the avowed and
often stated Trust Territory policy. It will be of mutual benefit, will facilitate
the operation, and avoid future repercussions if this policy is adhered to.
I understand that both you and Roger Kay underatand this and agree with it.
Thea tentative anawara to you questions follow, in the order posed:
1.) We have not dean told exactly
how many people will return initially. The
leaders have stated that an
group wants to come to Jabtan as goon as
possible. I am not sure exactly how many this will be. Although a numbar has
been given to TIPI.

Eveniually all, or sost of the poople will return. Ewen those few Living on

Majuro (25-30 plus or mimis) will return if gust to visit. Some of the people
may wish to live on Ujileng part of the tine and on Enewstak part of the tima.
However a firm answer can only come from tha commmity.
The 1972 government census, conducted by Marshallese administrative personae)

gives a total of 28) on Ujilange With the 25-30 (estim.) on Majuro and elsazhare
gives a rough population figure of 350 plus or minus. I believe the figure
quoted by the media to be 100. An up-to-date census can be natle.
The population is about evenly divided between males and females, It is a young
population with few vary old people, and many children. (I can obtain a detailed

age-~sex breakdown for you I am gure. But it will take tine ).

I think we can go on the asmuaption that all of those who possess Land rights on
Enewotak Atoll will went to return eventually. All will insist on having housing
provided as well as any other benefits available. (This is the woicad dasire of

the Aikini People).
2.)

I assume that they will follow the traditional Living pattern and pattern

of exploitation of the natural resources. That is, there may be two main settlements, one on Snewetak Island and one on Enjebi Island, the respective traditional
"headquarters" of the two socio-political groups: the Enjebi People (Dri injebi)

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