COLLECTION
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326
REPOSITORY
19.5! -58 CnrreSpant
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BOX No. ==
408750
FOLDER MALA ‘El _Yol. Hr
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Mr. Anthony tT. Lausdi, Director
Office of Territories
Department of the Interior
Dear Me. Eansi:
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Ateaie Energy Cosmiasion has considered the problem of returning
Roggelap people to theix howe atoll in the Trust Territory, and
carefully weighed the date from radiclogi¢al surveys made during
past two and one-hal? years, including that of the latest survey
male in July 1956.
These data indicate o presente of & residual contamimation on the
Teland of Hongeiap, but at s level that is acceptable from « health
point of view, beth fow tne potential external. game rudiation exposure and the strontiume99 content in the food supply, with the
possible exception of land crabs.
The Comifseion's position is that the Rongelapese could be returned to
their home isiand as soon a9 rehabilitation procedures on the Island
of Rongelap are completed, with the adviee that land crabs not he eatan
at thie tine.
4
In accordance with previous views of the Department of the Interior
the Atomic Energy Commission is proceeding with inpiementation of the
progres for the reconstruction amd rehwbilitation of the homes and
,
facllities on Rongelep. It is expected that these preparations will
repaire approximitely Dive monthe. Ginece the AEC has made » determina~
tion that it will be safe frem 4 henith standpoint to return the
Rongeiapese to their hame isiand upop completion of these preparations,
your comurrerce in this plan to retw'n these preopic to their home
ieiand in reouested.
Simcerely yours, . .
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Gen.
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Cong. Com. Section (”
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