DRAFT
14
28 May 54
CLAIMS
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY
AEC Chairman Lewis Strauss requests the Secretary of Defense to consider
settling claims of the Marshall islanders resulting from the weapon test activities
because the Federal Tort Claims Act precludes the AEC from covering Marshall
islanders’ claims.”
3 Jun 54
CONTRACTOR
RADIATION
Through a contract with the AEC the University of Hawaii agrees to manage
the newly created Enewetak Marine Biological Laboratory on MedrenIsland, Enewetak
Atoll. The AEC/DBM provides policy direction and sponsorship. The laboratory will
serve as a base ofinformation about the systematics, ecology, and life history of the
atoll’s flora and fauna.”
21 Jun
54
ADMINISTRATION
MEDICAL
RELOCATION
Maj. Gen. E. McGinley, U.S. Army chief of staff, lists the following as
responsible for the care and disposition of the Rongelap and Utirik Atolls inhabitants:
Thomas A. Hardison as the CJTF-7 representative at Enewetak for the temporary care
and disposition of the Marshallese affected by Castle Bravo; CINCPACFLT for overall
responsibility for restoration of atolls with AEC assistance and for the return of
inhabitants; the T.T. high commissioner for routine welfare and care; and the
AEC/DBM for monitoring the physical conditions of the Rongelap and Utirik residents.
The JTF-7 is paying for such matters as certain medical expenses for the evacuees,
replacementof livestock lost because of contamination, and the construction of a
_temporary village for the Rongelapese at Majuro Atol 1.7"
9 Jul 54
CLAIMS ...... .
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY
The DODgeneral counsel agrees to accept Marshall Islanders’ personalinjury,
damage, and private property loss claims received by the AEC because the Foreign
ClaimsAct authorizes the United States armed forces to pay such claims under
$5000.
12-13 Jul 54
ADMINISTRATION
MEDICAL
RADIATION
Participants in a conference on surveys and studies of the Marshall Islands
agree to the need for a series of long-term medical and environmental surveys for an
indefinite time of the Marshall Islands and their inhabitants affected by the nuclear
weapon testing. Dr. John Bugher assumes that the DBM will bear financial
responsibility for such work but expects the trust territory to handle normal medical
care. "Ourjab is to see that it is done and that the facilities are provided," Bugher
says.
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