‘If I-may turn to the question of publicity. DASA had planned to conduct two press tours to Bikini, but they were cancelled by the Defense Department. We understand that some thirty representatives of the "media" were made aware of the proposed press trips and the cancellation, Several, including -- we understand -- Hill Williams of the Seattle Times, representatives of the London Sunday Times, the Japan Tele~ vision system, and the Australian Broadcasting system, are insistent upon making an early visit to Bikini. How DASA or Defense handles the problem is basically up to them, but as soon as responsibility passes to the Trust Territory, it will become yours. _ Interior and the Trust Territory have consistently followed a policy of cooperation and assistance to the press and.we see no reason why this policy should not be followed in the case of Bikini when it returns to your jurisdiction. On the other hand, you certainly have no facilities a or funds to mount a press "tour" nor do we beiieve you need to attempt to do so. There will also be the practical problem of your accommodating any press people who arrive at Bikini and there is the further problem of their getting to Bikini. I believe the only practical course for you to follow is to welcome all comers from the press, within the limits of your physical facilities, on a first come first served basis. This was the procedure followed last August and it met with press approval. The press also paid its own way to, from, and at Bikini; also without objection. I believe you should expect them to do so in the future. In any event, you will soon be presented with requests from the press and your Information Officer, Mr. Ashman, should be brought fully into the ~ planning process so that he can handle any inquiries that come in. You may also want to have a "press" person on the atoll during the rehabilita- tion phase to help any press visitors, At the least, you may want to consider having Mr. Ashman accompany you on your August visit to Bikini with Admiral Mustin. Whoever serves as your press representative should also get a thorough briefing from the AEC on the radiation hazard -- or lack thereof. We will be glad to arrange for such a briefing. I think this is very important because of the rather great amount of misinformation being circulated publicly on this question. At the moment, I would commend to you the AEC report of the "ad hoc" committee which formed the basis for the AEC decision that Bikini radiation levels do not pose "a significant threat" to the returning people. You can expect a ‘continuation of thehigh quality of assistance and _cooperation of the AEC. Lastly, I enclose some correspondence I have had with Congressman Lloyd Meeds. Mr. Meeds has a very great interest in Bikini and his constituent, Hill Williams, also has a great professional interest. I should appreciate your letting me have, as soon as possible, any comments you or your Bikini