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HEADQUARTERS
JOINT TASK FORCE SEVEN
WASHINGTON 25, D.C.
5-37729.3
SUBJECT:
6 July 1934
Responsibilitiesfor Care and Disposition of Native Inhabitants.
of Rongelap and Utirik Atolls
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TOs
Manager
Santa Fe Operations Office
P. 0. Box 5400
Albuquerque, New Mexico
l.
Hr. Jamee &. Reeves of your agency telephoned this headquarters
16 June and discussed with Colonel Byars, J-3 Division, Headquarters JI?
SEVER, the status of rz. Thomas a. Hardison as representative of General
Clarkson on matters concerning the care and disposition of evacuated nitives. The question is pertinent since you agssumed on 2 Juno full responsibility for all .ZC matters pertaining to the Pacific Proving Grounds.
2. On ls May 1954, CINCPACTLT requested CJTP SEVEN to advise that
agency of the name of tha person who would rupresent CJT? SZVEN in the
Porward aroa after the personnel of cvadquarters, JIF SEVEN returncd to
Vashington. In order to avoid the necessity of leaving indofinitely at
Eniwetok a staff officer of this headquarto.s, CJTF SEVEN designcted ir.
Herdison his represontative at Mmiwetok in cormection with the disposition
of native inhabitants of Rongelazp rnd Utirik atolls. mr. Hardison visited
Kwajalein and Hajuro Atolls sevcral times and was cminontly woll-qualified
to act as representative of CJTF sEVEN in this mcttcr.
3.
As you lafow, the native inhabitants of Utirik itoll have bcen re-
turned from Kwajalein to their homa island. Tho native inhabitants cf
Rongulap Atoll have been tomporarily rolocatud for a pordod of about one
yoar on EBjit Island of Majuro. atoll, while the radiosctive contamin-=ticn
of Rongelap docays to accuptable levels. It is not now contemplatud tncs
extensive construction or ropair will be necossary on Rongelzp [sland ~hen
the inhabitants of that atoll are rcturned to thoir homes. Consequently,
it te doubtful that Holmes and Narvor, Inc., amd the .EC Resident ingincer
at Eniwetok will be callod upon to tako furthr action in regard to trc
care amd disposition of tho natives. tr. Hardison is, ther.fore, roin-svcd
of any responsibility as CJTF S<VEN roproesontstive in this mattcr.
L.
The rosponsibilitics of intervatud agoncics for tha contimucd
eare and disposition of the natives of Rongclap and Utirik .tolis ar:
dolincated fer your information as follows:
we Jl 4.