Greenhouse to Stanley -~2- June 7, 1977 At Rongelap, we completed our comprehensive external radiation exposure rate survey, which was begun in October 1976, but was hampered at that time because of transportation problems. The wind generator/air monitoring station siting was discussed at a village meeting where the purpose for the planned installation was presented. We offeredour siting preferences, but the people wished to reserve decision on the exact site, and to let us know of their choice by mail after further deliberation. The village meetings are always open forums for discussion of radiation-related concerns, and it was apparent that Jan Naidu's visit earlier this year had been very effective in allaying many of their fears and enhancing their under- standing of radiation protection standards and practices. A continu- ing concern, however, is the ban on the use of the northern islands - ' mtr of Rongelap atoll, and the desire for compensation for denial of their use. The first of two air sampling stations was installed in the old camp area at Bikini. It is powered five to six hours a day by the local diesel generator which, unfortunately, developed mechanical problems before our departure, We are prepared to install a third wind generator at Bikini if access to reliable A.C. power threatens to become a continuing problem; however, the difficulty appeared to be minor (replacement of brushes), so we are still planning on the use of the Bikini diesel generator to power both air sampling stations. The village meeting on our last day at Bikini illustrated a continuing problem which warrants some serious thought about the conduct of all ERDA programs in the Marshalls. That is the worry and anxiety which the people experience on hearing (often conflicting) comments about radiation-related problems on their islands. Off-handed comments about restrictions on certain food items, or whole body counting results, or radiation levels in the environment are often interpreted by the people as portending imminent and dire health consequences. believe it essential that "unofficial" comments in these areas be I avoided, and that official information from ERDA program visitors be consistent, accurate, and well thought out from the standpoint of Marshallese interpretation. It is also urgent that some sort of publication in Marshallese be provided at Bikini, Rongelap, and Utirik which explains basic concepts of radiation and radioactivity, the natural radiation environment and man-made additions to it, the biological effects of radiation, radiation risks and basic radiation protection principles, and finally the radiation protection standards. The communi- cations gap is merely aggravated by the language barrier. Of greater importance is the fact that the concept of radiation, though quite familiar to ERDA visitors, is a totally foreign idea to the Marshallese, who must adopt the English words to even discuss it. I am afraid that if we do not correct this communications gap and diligently address the educational needs of the Marshallese on this subject, we will be doing a grave disservice to them, and jeopardizing the success of ERDA programs tle ‘eet omft gg qa, bee Corr Not 3 een in the Marshalls,