Publication Laka-library:
Marshall Islands 1946 - 1996
| Author | WISE Amsterdam, D.Bannink |
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4-26-4-00-06.pdf |
| Date | June 1996 |
| Classification | 4.26.4.00/06 (PACIFIC - US TESTING AREA) |
| Remarks | extented version of 4.26.4.00/02 |
| Front | 
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From the publication:
1944 February- US forces capture Kwa- jalein Atoll, Marsball Islands, from the japanese. Americans recruit Mar- shallese living on outer islands of Kwajalein lagoon as labows in support of war effort. 1945 July 16- at S:29 am, Trinity, the forst test of an atomic bomb, takes place at Alomogonlo, New Mexico, US. August - on the 6th. US drops an atomic bomb Qn Hiroshima. It is esti- mated by Japanese that 140,000 died by december, 194S, as a result of the bomb. Three days later the second bomb is dropped on Nagasaki. About 70,000 died by december, 194S, as a result of the bomb. On the lOth Japan surenders to the US: The end of World War II, November - American military and po- litical leaders begin planning nuclear experiments for further development of nuclear weapons. 1\vo tests, codename Operation Crossroads, planned to test effects of atomic explosions on naval vessels. Search begun for an appropri- ate site. 1946 January - Navy officials in Washing- ton, D.C. announce that Bikini atoll, in the Marshall islands, fulfills all cli- matic and geographical requirements for Operation Crossroads. February 10 - Bikinis first relocation accomplished swiftly and with little planning. Military govemour of the Marsballs obtains consent of Bikini's paramount chief for the relocation, in- forming that the scientists were experi- menting with nuclear devices "... for the good of mankind and to end all world wars." After deliberation, the Bi- kini's consent to move, but have no real alternative other than submission to US plans.