Dr. Joseph Maher
December 16, 1976
Page 4
a

I would recommend that ERDA assume a more proactive role in the
total effort.
It's highly unlikely that pop and DOI will do more

than carry out their immediate responsibilities.

Continued moni-

toring of radioactive levels is important as are continued efforts

to communicate risks to Marshall Islanders.
Moreover, I would
strongly urge ERDA to consider monitoring the adjustment and inter-

action processes of island groups.

From my experience in working

with American Indian groups involved in similar relocation efforts,
I can assure you that the transition will not be a smooth one.
The following questions are but a partial list of issues that could
be addressed:
1.

What steps will be taken to assist the Islanders to
eventually develop a self-supporting economy?

2.

What relearning of former methods of subsistence
will occur and what will be their effect on the
quality of life?

3.

What norms and sanctions will emerge that will pre-

vent Islanders from frequenting off-limit areas?

How will they be enforced?
4.

To what extent have western ways affected the culture
of the people?

5.

Will adoption of western ways introduce forms of social
deviancy, such as alcoholism, delinquency, unemployment,
depression, etc.?

6.

What prevention measures can be developed to reduce
the possible emergence of social deviancy?

7.

What adjustments will be made by Islanders and how
will they effect daily living patterns?

8.

What does the future hold for an island group

9.

What are the social,
etc. of Islanders?

isolated from the main flow of economic activity?
educational, employment needs,

Battelle Human Affairs Research Centers here in Seattle has competent staff sensitive to the issues just raised and can plan a
long-term program to investigate a number of these issues.
The
tasks demand an interdisciplinary approach where staff scientists
representing a broad range of social and behavioral science expertise function as a team.

Select target paragraph3