OFFICIAL USE ORLY Ayramrx TEAPT LETHE 70 JCAE, MLC AMD GAL 1. Attex the relatively heavy fallowt ox the Mirchi eland March 1, 1954, 82 inhebitants ware evacuated first to Kvejalein and to Ejit where they* are now living. ‘There have dean public statements, concurted in by the Atozic Energy Comission, Departwent of Interior | and the Depatment of state to the effect that these people vill be returned to their how Island of Bomgelap as soon a6 it is possible from health considerations. such a statement ws subaitted to the i7th seseion of the U. MN. Trustes Camcil, Subcomsittes of Petitions, March Z7, 1956 by Mr. D. Vernon MoXsy, Special Representative of the Administering Authorities far the Trust Territory of the Pacific Telemias — radiological 2. Several bintugteat surveys of the Marshall Islands especially Hongelup Atoll, have been mada during the yast two and onc- half years. The latest survay (Suly 23-a5, 1956) indicates presance of a residuml contaminetion on the Island of Rongelap, but at a level thet ie acceptabie fron shealih paint af view, both for the potential extermi gamm radiation exposure end the strantiim-90 content in the food supply, with tha penaible exception of land crabs. | «3. Therefore, the position ef the Atomic Energy Comlasion is/topermit the return of theRongslapese/to taeirbase aJdand as soon as rehabilitation procedures on the Isiand of Bongeiap are completed, with the adviee that land crabs not be eaten at this time. 9002094 ~ 14 «