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,
●

17
.

Other

Select target paragraph3