ll.

Resettlement Possibilities

Mr. Weisgall indicated that while the Bikinians still wanted an independent
review of Bikini-Eneu to be made, assuming the results would bear out
the present recommendations, obviously alternative plans for resettlement
must be seriously pursued.
There is a fear, though, on the part of the
~
Bikinians that if they resettle satisfactorily someplace, no one in the
future would arrange for them to go back to Bikini.
A return in the
future to Bikini when that is possible is the bottom line of the desires
of the people.
A discussion of possible resettlement sites took place and the discussion
in the main followed the sequence set forth in the June 12, 1979 letter
to Under Secretary Joseph.
Accordingly, this aspect will not be elaborated
here except to note:
a.

Erikup Atoll

This atoll was rejected in 1953 as being too small and unsuitable.
Mr. Weisgall now is of the opinion that if a small atoll in the
Marshalls is uninhabited it is because it cannot sustain a permanent
human settlement,

b.

Jaluit Atoll
The people of Bikini have real concern that resettlement on Jaluit
Atoll would result in serious social problems for them.

Cc.

Ailinglaplap Atoll
While Ailinglaplap Atoll has some uninhabited land, it is believed
that only a few Bikini families would elect to go to this atoll.

d.

Ebadon Island
This island in Kwajalein Atoll is inhabited, and a move here would
create additional problems in the Kwajalein Atoll.
It is not
considered a real option.

e.

Mili
Mrs.
name
some

Atoll
Van Cleve wondered why "Mili Atoll" was not mentioned since its
had surfaced as a possibility earlier.
It is inhabited but has
uninhabited land.
It was explained by the Bikinians that "Mili"

is regarded by them as "not good for the people of Bikini" which

appears to be tied in with cultural and mythical beliefs of "evil
spirits" who do not take kindly to "outsiders." Mr. Waltz explained
further that there is a "Mili force'' that is good for the people of
Mili, but would be in conflict with the "Bikini force.'' In short,
for various reasons, Mili is not regarded as an option.
f£.

Kili Island
It appeared that a small group would elect to stay on Kili Island
whereever any other temporary resettlement took place.
Magistrate
Juda explained this by stating that some of the Bikinians believe
that only by staying on Kili will they ever convince authorities
that the people are resolved to return to Bikini, their ancestral
home, at a future date.
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