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Machine-read from the scan, so expect some errors. Lines that couldn’t be read are left out.
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UN ITED STATES F THE AD HOC CCMMITTEETO EVALUATETHE RADIOLOGICALHAZARDS-- OF RESETTLEMENTOF THE BIKINI ATOLL The meeting of expert consultants and survey team members, referred to in my April 2, 1968, memorandum to the Commission, was held on May 13-14, 1968, at the H Street office. S. Allan Lough, Assistant Director for Radiological Physics, Divisfon of Biology and Medicine, served as chairman of the meeting. The consultants reviewed and considered a large amount of data which was the product of the, survey.of the Bikini Atoll conducted in AprilMay, 1967. The committee’s report as submitted to me is enclosed. The attendant documents examined are being held in this Division. I concur in the conclusion and recouanendations that the committee submitted. I recommend that the Commission convey to the Secretary of the Interior that, if the committee’s recommendations are observed, there is no reason, from a radiological standpoint, why the Bikinian people should not reestablish residence on the Bikini Atoll. A draft letter to the Secretary of-the Interior, transmitting this recouanendation is enclosed for the consideration of the Commission. Also enclosed is a draft letter to the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy to inform them of the.latest developments in this area.
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The letters to the Secretary of the Interior and the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy should be held without action until such time as the Department of Defense makes a determination regarding its need for continuing requirement for Bikini. By agreement among representatives of Interior, State, Defense, AEC and the National Security Council,’ notification of our recommendation is being held up pending this DOD decision, or until Interior asks us to send them our formal recommendation, which they may do if the Department o$ Defense recommendation is not forthcoming soon.. The staff will work with the Departments of the Interior, Defense and State and the National Security Council on a joint public announcement to be issued at such time as a decision is made on return of the ’ natives to Bikini. 3. Draft ltr. to Chairman; JCAE