When restoration work began in 1970, Bikini islanders from Kili were hired to assist in the rehabilitation project. They gradually brought their ‘families and other relatives to Bikini. It is this group, now numbering 145, that will be rejoined with the 400 Bikinians on Kili. Lingering radiation was discovered on Bikini Island when the people decided in 1974 to have some of the new houses being built by the Government erected in the interior part of the island. Since inland areas had not been considered for residential purposes before, the U. S. Government decided to conduct a full radiological survey before the start of inland construction. The survey, completed in June 1975, revealed that the interior could not be used for residential purposes. It also showed that food plants were recy- cling radionuclides from the island's soil. Food subsidies have been provided to Bikini residents since 1972 and after the 1975 survey they were cautioned not to eat locally-grown foods. Fish in the waters around Bikini are considered to be safe to eat, but fruits, vegetables and coconut crabs found on the island are contaminated. In November 1977 the Trust Territory Government instituted a complete feeding program for all residents of Bikini. Regular health monitoring in April of this year revealed an increase in the level of cesium-137 in the bodies of some Bikinians despite the diet of imported foodstuffs. The potential danger is considered to be much more serious for young people and since nearly half of the island's current residents are under 15 years of age, early relocation of the entire population was given a high priority by Trust Territory and Interior Department officials. Bikini Atoll is being re-surveyed by the U. S. Department of Energy, using advanced technology that is significantly more accurate and reliable than that available for the 1968 AEC survey. The new technique uses gamma-ray detectors mounted on aireraft. It was recently used to survey Enewetak Atoll. The aerial survey by DOE began July 31, 1978, and will include Bikini Atoll and the northern Marshall Islands. Survey results are expected by the Spring of 1979. Three ships will sail from Majuro to Bikini during the week to transport the people and their possessions to Kili Island. Representatives of virtually every major news-gathering organization in the U. S., Europe and Asia are aboard one of the ships to observe and report on the relocation. DCE ARCHIVES Depending on weather conditions, the move to Kili is expected to be completed by September 5, 1978. x x x