In July 1“978,the Department of State established an interagency
.
task force to undertake a comprehensive study of claims arising from the
United States nuclear testing program and related activities in the Marshall
.
Islands.
“
Loss of use of land
~.
At least one island contaminated with radioactive elements from the
nuclear tests (Runit) is expected to be quarantined indefinitely.
Others
—...
may have to
be quarantined. or may be-unfit for the use desired b.ythe
people of Enewetak.
This situation opens the door for claims against the
United States for compensation for loss of.use, or intended use, of some
,
“.
.“
.of their islands.
------LOSS of Copra “cash croD’,’
.
“ Copra (dried coconut meat) is the tradit~onal ”’’cash-crop” ‘f ‘he
Marshallese.
Coconut trees to be planted on Enewetak Atoll during
the rehabilitation program will take 5 to 7 years to begin producing
nuts.
The Enewetak Atoll Master Plan of March 1975 estimated that copra
could bring the people of Enewetak about $100,000 per year at then-current
prices.
Should the “cash crop” copra be contaminated with radioactive
elements in excess of acceptable limits, the people of Enewetak might
initiate a claim against the United States for loss of tie crop.
matters to be resolved are:
--the particulars of testing cash-crop coconuts for
radioactive elements uptake,
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Other