period, the total population supported by TG 7.5 reached a maximum
of 3,398 on about 1 March and gradually decreased as the Operation
drew to a close.
The TG 7.5 staff totalled a maximum of 24 people
iti the operational area.
The organization of Task Group 7.5 is
shown in Appendix I.
PART 3.
PLANNING
Even prior to OPERATION IVY, there was growing concern over the
limitations of Eniwetok Atoll for detonation of very high yield
thermonuclear devices.
As early as May 1952 the Task Force com-
mand, the staff of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, and AEC
test personnel were investigating the pros and cons of firing very
high yield test units at locations other than Eniwetok and the possibility of reactivating Bikini was being discussed.
Practicab{l-
ity of utilizing one of several uninhabited islands in the Marshall,
Caroline and Mariana Island groups was investigated and a survey of
the Bikini Atoll as to its suitability for executing a very high
yield detonation was conducted.
The conclusion was reached that
utilization of Bikini Atoll was most desirable from the standpoint
of available land, isolated location, operational efficiency and
economy.
On 11 September 1952, concurrent with appropriate action
with representatives of the Department of Interior and the State
Department, the Atomic Energy Commission approved use of Bikini for
CASTLE on the basis of minimum possible expenditure in Fiscal Year
1953.
The Commission stipulated that there must be no permanent
construction at Bikini and that maximum possible economy and use of
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