MATSNDG JUK ° % 1952 Romerable Crue Lewis Assistant Secretary of the Interior Departaent of the Interior Washington 25, D. C. Le ances Tear Mr. Lewis: The enclosure forwarded with your letter of May 13, 195k enumerates correctly, insofar es the Atemic Energy Commission is able te ascertain, the measures which are currently being undertaken by the Coomander in Chief, Pasific for the resettlemant of the natives evacuated from Yongelap and Utirik. The Commander in Chief, Pneific has indicated that he would implement, with assistance from the Atomic Znergy Comission, such measures 88 are required in resettling the Marshallese. This position has been concurred in by the Chief of Haval Cperations. With primary responsibility fer this matter residing in the Fomander in Chief, Pagifie, it is apparent that the Atomic Energy Commission is not in a peaition to assure that all details outlined in Mr. Midkiff's letter will be executed. dowever, since the Cormander in Chief, Pacific has requested that be be given responsibility for these matters with the exception of the continued medical care of these sarshall Island residents, and the Chief of Naval Operations has concurred, there can be little doubt of his willingness to fulfill the obligations entailed in the resettlenent of the natives. Insofar as continuedmedicalehecks are concerned, the Atomic EnergyCommissionhas accepted this responetbaliey LPs Bugher, our Director of the Division of Biologya GO,hag discussed with the High ComdsaionerTrustTerritory of the sacific Islands possible means ofimplementing thisCayuission responsibility. In addition, the Comission will insure CLALS CAM OW rae. @ANAEL sy AUTHGRITY. nee PLPps ATE: 5001b8 YHy