4 OM EOS ~ Ap-y ie * reves 7 i United StatesDepartmentof the Interior OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240 Dr. William W. Burr Director Office of Health and Environmental AV Research Office of Environment Mail Station E-201 Department of Energy D.C. 20545 Washington, Dear Dr. re 614 1980. PRIVACY ACT MATERIAL REMOVED Burr: At the August 6, 1980, meeting on Section 102 of P.L. 96-205 with representatives of the Government of the Marshall Islands and representatives from the various affected atolls, the Marshalls Government representatives stated that a medical doctor recently visited Wotje Atoll to examine the people for possible radiation induced illnesses or conditions. For the record, the Marshall Islands Government delegation presented us with a copy of a letter addressed to a lawyer, Mr. Gordon Stemple of Beverly Hills, California, by Dr. Reuben Merliss, M.D., also of Beverly Hills. A copy of Dr. Merliss' letter is enclosed for your information and review. While we were informed at the August 6, 1980, meeting that Dr. Merliss had examined the people of Wotje Atoll, his report is very general in nature. He does not mention "Wotje" but rather speaks of "the Marshall Islands". In one instance, he mentions a boy with "leukemia". This, we assume, must be a reference to _. of Rongelap. He also refers to patient hospital records he examined at Majuro, but does not identify the individuals by island. At one point he mentions Utirik Atoll and problems the Utirikese are experiencing with vision. Many of his comments appear to us to refer to the people of Rongelap Atoll since he speaks of immediate effects of the fallout, i.e., hair loss and burns of the skin. I would greatly appreciate if you and your medical consultants could provide comments on Dr. Merliss' report and his conclusions. ee 299 Enclosure “ Sistant Secretary Designate Territorial and International Affairs oe ne — oa pout gl prenee ~ Oy gy th wet PRIVACYACT MATERIAL REMOVED Sincerely,