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WASHINGION, D.C.
MCRANDUM FOR:
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THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFEN
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400
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Secretary of the Army
Secretary of the Navy
Secretary of the Air Force
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
SUBJECT:
DOD Support for Cleanup of Enewetak
The United States conducted nuclear tests at the Enewetak Atoll from
1948 t0 1958,
Prior to these tests the people of Enewetak were moved
to another location (Ujelang Atoll). A commitment has been made by
the United States Government to return the people of Enewetak to their
former home, but before this can be accomplished radioactivity on all
the islands must be reduced to a minimum, and all scrap and debris
removed.
Later, homes and community centers must be built for the
people, crops planted, and resettlement completed.
The Department of Defense has been designated to complete the cleanup
phase, with the Atomic Energy Commission providing radiological
guidance, and the Department of Interior carrying out the rehabilitation
and resettlement.
The Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) has been desig-
nated by DOD as its executive agency for the "clean-up",
Depending on appropriation of funds and final publication of the Environ-
mental Impact Statement,
DNA working with the Corps of Engineers
will commence the cleanup phase. It is expected the work will be
accomplished by contract and that construction of the base camp will
begin by mid-calendar year 1975.
The entire cleanup and rehabilitation
is expected to be completed in about three years.
This will entail a major effort and will require tri-service support.
All
funding will be requested from Congress by DNA. Any assistance required
from the services should be coordinated in advance. However, unexpected
.requirements or emergencies may develop which will dictate requests
for help that have not been planned.
Your assistance and support of the
Defense Nuclear Agency in such instances is requested in order that this
difficult task may be completed.
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