DOB ARCHIVES
atoll on March 6,
square miles,
has a
1946.
Rorngerikx has a dry land area of 0.65
scattcred over approximately 17 islands.
lagoon area of 55.33
square miles.
This
is mucrn
It
smaller
than the 2.32-square-mile lana arca and 229.40-square-mile.
lagoon area of Bikini, with its 36 islands
The attempt to settle at Ronverik was a ftailure,
due to the
A Board of
insufficient natural resources.
Investigation convened by the Navy on June 2,
that
allegedly
1947,
recommended
the displaced Bikinians be moved again.
The Bikinians through their leader "King" Juda, as he was
erroneously cnristened by romantically minded newsmen, accom-
panied by three leaders (alab) of Bikini, inspected Rongerik,
Kili,
Ujilang, Wotto and Ujae to try to find a suitable place
in which to relocate their people.
The Bikini people were
interested in getting back to tneir ancestral home as rapidly
as
possible and
resettlenents as
had allegedly
oniy
regarded
the
past and future
temporary.
The period from Junc 2, i947, to Septcmber 1, 1947, was
Spent
in inspecting tnese possible resettlement areas.
August 26,
sent
On
1947 the council of tre ex-Bikini people on Rongerik
the followin, letter to the American authoritics:
(translation):
"Yo the Office at Kwajalein:
We the council have held a meeting
Gentlemen:
We have been
to find the hest place to go to.
to some other places to inspect and have conIn moving we find 1% quite a
Sidercd them,
Tne place we all
problem.
46 Rongerik Atoii.
agreed
to stay on
s/fWe, The Council
.