ot
UNCLASSIFIED
is at the same time acutely aware that these temporary arrangements do not provide a normal existance for these people.
He
indicated that it was the Administration's intention to
repatriate them as soon as scientific surveys indicate that
there will be no danger to the inhabitants in so doing.
Several
such surveys have been made, one very recently, and it is now
hoped that this move can be made in the early autumn.
One of the most difficult questions referred to by the
petitioners is that of the land claims in the Marshall Islands,
particularly those of the people of Bikini and Eniwetolk.
it
is unfortunately true that in the complicated process of
settling land claims in the Territory other districts have
been dealt with before the Marshall Islands District.
Thus,
despite considerable progress towards over-all settlement, the
Marshall Islanders do have cause for dissatisfaction, as no
settlements have been made in their district.
Recently,
however, agreement has been reached within the Government on
general terms under which compensation would be made for the
use of certain tyres of land, including Bikini and Eniwetok.
Administrative arrangements are now being worked out vdursuant
to this agreement in order to permit early satisfaction of the
claims.
.
My delegation deeply appreciates the friendly sentiments
toward the United States expressed by the petitioners, all of
them legislative representatives of the Marshallese people,
hope
I
that, despite the decision that my Government has felt obliged
to take |
the other measures I have described will reassure them,
as well as
the Council,
that my Government is exercising its
trust with the highest possible sense of responsibility,
con-
ditioned only by its broader responsibility for world peace
and security.
~ 10 -
Enclosure IV