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Cadr, P. F, Bankhardt, USN,
Chief, Continental Test Section, Test Branch
Division of Military Application
October 1, 1957
-.
Gordon M. Dunning, Chief, Radiation Effects of Weapons Br., DMA
SURVEY OF EWIAETOK ISLAND
SYMBOL: DBM:REWS
This is in reference to cur telephones conversation of Friday,
September 27, 1957.
Recently, it has come to ny attention that sbout 10 of the
rehabilitated to Rongelap Atoll have established permanent
Quarters on the Island Eniastok. It was our understanding
developing the radiological and biological data, resulting
people
living
when
in the
recommendation by the Atemio Energy Ocmaission that the Rongelapese
_
mens
could be returned to their home island, that the permanent abode
for all would be on Rongelep Island.
- ¥rom past data 4t could be inferred that EntaetokIsland has a
greater contamination than Rongelap Island but gocd data are lacking
. Lor Eniaetok.
It is imperative that we chtain the pertinent data on contamination
of Erieetok Island at the earliest possible date. We need to assure
careelves and also to be in a defensible position if the question
i
should arise in the United Nationsa elseuhere. The collection of
euwh information is a responsibility of our Division.
pee,
However, those
gn charge of this progras do not feel that a survey oan be made before
December 1957. The only other solution that I can think of is to
request the Division ef Military Application that they ask ths
Enivetok Office +b make a gamma dose rate survey similar to the one
€41200S
made on Rongelap Island in June 1957, just pricr to the return of ©
the Rengelapese.
I recognise this is not an adequate survey, but
4t will give us seae information.
when
recall, we were faced with a sintlar situation in June
As
util
ed
plenn
not
we were surprised to lear that a resurvey waS
that time, we asked the
after the return to Rongelap Island. At st
e to
Division of Military Application to reque the Iniwetck Sffic
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