Memo to DNA, Subject: Amplification of Responsibilities in Regard to Eniwetok

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ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE In reply refer to: MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE DIRECTOR DEFENSE NUCLEAR AGENCY SUBJECT: Amplification of Responsibilities in Regard to Eniwetok As requested by the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 30 November 1972, designated the Director, Defense Nuclear Agency as the Department of Defense Project Manager for matters concerning the cleanup of Eniwetok. These duties include acting for the Secretary of Defense in planning and, if so determined, accomplishing the cleanup of Eniwetok, and to provide representation and enter into agreements in this regard. On 8 February 1973, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense memorandum to the D i rector, Defense Nuclear Agency reported several significant developments concerning Eniwetok and forwarded additional guidance. Recently, a m&morandum from the Secretary of Interior, Chairman of the Inter-Agency Group responsible for the cleanup and rehabilitation of Eniwetok, to the Director, Office of Management and Budget, requested guidance as to which agency or agencies should program costs for the project, and how such a request should be submitted. While the responsibility and procedures for funding the Eniwetok project are being determined, it is considered prudent to perform additional planning actions in the eventuality that the Department of Defense is designated to fund a portion of this operation. Accordingly, the Defense Nuclear Agency, as Program Manager, is requested to accomplish the following tasks with the Air Force cooperating as indicated: * - Co1 1 ect from the Mi 1 i tary Services and Defense agencies official statements of their requirements for access to or use of the resources of Eniwetok Atoll after its transfer to the Trust Territory Government. Based on these statements of requirements, the Defense Nuclear Agency is requested to assist the Air Force in negotiating for the retention of these residual rights incident to the transfer agreement. for this support operation as an adjunct to cleanup activities.

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The Air Force is requested to develop a mutually acceptable plan to reimburse the Defense Nuclear Agency for the Eniwetok holding costs, except for military personnel, for the second half of FY 1974 and to transfer appropriate civi 1 ian manpower resources. Air Force should continue to fund for any Air Force mi 1 itary personnel through FY 1974. - As recommended in the Defense Nuclear Agency letter of 8 August 1973, DNA is authorized to continue to develop and refine costs to cover the cleanup phase should it be required in the FY 1975 Budget. Guidance concerning funding responsibilities is expected from the Office of Management and Budget in the near future. - In order to avoid future misconceptions, formalize an understanding with the Atomic Energy Commission of the role that Agency will perform in the cleanup operations. Dir, Joint Staff