Laka Foundation

Publication Laka-library:
Marshall Islands; A chronology 1944-1981 (1981)

AuthorMicronesia Support Committee
DateAugust 1981
Classification 4.26.4.00/02 (PACIFIC - US TESTING AREA)
Front

From the publication:

"FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND… "

Marshall Islands people have borne the brunt of U.S. military activity in Micronesia, 
from nuclear weapons experiments and missile testing to relocation& of people and 
radioactive contamination of people and their environment. All, as an American 
military commander said of the Bikini tests, "for the good of mankind and to end 
all world wars."

Of eleven United Nations Trusteeships created after World War II, only Micronesia 
was designated a "strategic" trust, reflecting its military importance to the United 
States. The U.N. agreement has allowed the U.S. to use the islands for military 
purposes, while binding the U.S. to advance the well being of the people of 
Micronesia.

Western nuclear powers have looked on the Pacific, because of its small isolated 
populations, as an "ideal" location to conduct nuclear activities unwanted in their 
own countries.

In addition to Bikini and Enewetak, the U.S. has tested nuclear weapons at Johnston 
and Christmas Islands; the British at Christmas Island and in Australia; and the 
French continue to test at Moruroa and Fangataufa Atolls in "French" Polynesia. 
More than 180 atomic and hydrogen bombs have been detonated in the Pacific 
region since 1946; over 100 by the United States.

The health and safety of people, be they Marshallese or American citizens and 
military personnel, has been a very low priority in the u.s. government's nuclear 
testing program. As Commissioner Libby of the Atomic Energy Commission said 
in 1953: "People have got to learn to live with the facts of life, and part of 
the facts of life are fallout."

The Marshall Islands Chronology tells the story of U.S. military activities in the 
Marshall Islands and their effect on Marshallese peoples' lives and environment. 
It is a story that has remained untold for too long.

This publication is only available at Laka on paper, not as pdf.
You can borrow the publication or request a copy. When we're available, this is possible for a small fee.