need for continued examinations when nosignifi- ther compensation for injuries received, although, on the basis ofthe effects of their previous compen- cant findings were reported.In spite of such prob- lems, the people have always been friendly, and, sation in 1965,-the ultimate benefits are doubtful, except on one occasion (a case of political interference, described below), have generally cooperated in the examinations. Psychological reaction to the fallout has been reflected at various times in fears regardingfertility, a belief that fish poisoning was due to radioactivity rather than to the poisonous natureofthe fish, feelings of weakness attributed to radiation, and fear of thyroid cancer and leukemia (following the deathof the Rongglap boy). A major concern for the past 5 years has been local political interference and questions concerning the medical examinations. The Trust Territory now has a Congress of Micronesia (not connected with the U.S. administration), which has and another paymentmight push them furthertowardthe state of welfare and perpetual dole. Dr. William Peck, the former Director of Health Ser- vices in the Trust Territory, has put this situation nicely: “To withhold further funds and thus deepen the grievance, or increase the compensation and therebythe dolor of dependence - either course of action seems only to compoundtheir original injury, and our dilemma!” Further problems in the Marshall Islands are associated with the return of the formerresidents to live on Bikini and Eniwetok, which were con- taminated during the testing program. Numerous radiological surveys have indicated that with certain restrictions these atolls can be habitable again. Since a number of concrete homes have appointed a Special Committeeto investigate the heaith status of the Rongelap and Utirik people. Unfounded accusations were madeby certain local poliucians that the United States deliberately exposed the people to fallout so that they could be used as ‘‘guinea pigs”to study the effects, and that the medical team was concealing deaths from radiation and was not reportingalt of its findings. In March 1972 the survey was interrupted by the polidcians and had to be aborted at Rongelap. been completed on Bikini, about 40 people have returned, but they must be subsidized becauseit will be several years before the coconut and other trees bearfruit. A numberof people are expected to return to Eniwetokto live in the near future. The medical team as well as other radiological safety personnel at BNL have been assigned the responsibility of personnel and environmental monitoring to assure the radiologicalsafety of the Afterwards the Congress of Micronesia appointed returning people. Personnel monitoring and environmental surveys at Bikini were instituted a few years ago, and only verylow levels of internally absorbed radionuclides have been noted. ERDA1s sponsoring continuing surveys of these atolls, being done byseveralinstitutions. medical observers to accompany the team ona survey in September 1972. Two prominent physicians from Japan (Drs. H. Ezaki and T. Kumatori), one from Engiand (Dr. E.E. Pochin), and one from the U.S. Public Health Serviee-(Dr.-W. Cole) accom- panied the team and participated in the examinations. Their reportto the. Congress of Micronesia was mostfavorable and has dar political accusations. The : pucht Rongelap and Utirik publishedzaicngthyreport?4 ofits investigations, including the report of the observers, and this also has helped-bring about a more favorable attitude to the medical examinations. _The medical surveys have been a rewarding ex- __. periense for allthe who have partici- . ‘pated."We'havebeenfortunate in obtaining the services oftalented specialists and technisiansand in having the continued staunch support ant as- sistance of many peopteat BrookhavéfiNptional Laboratory, ERDA, and the Trust Territary,aad the authorities at Kwajalein, without which the success of the surveys would not have been possi- Two majorbills have been initiated by the Con- gress of Micronesia. One concerns payment of travel and livingexpenses for any patient from Rongelap andUtirik on our examinationlist who needs hospitalization. This*bill has been approved ble. The medical team has developed a deep friendship for the Marshallese over the yaar. In spite of the injuries and. hardships resultifigfrom a the 1954 accident, they have cooperated with us even throughthe period ofpolitical disturbances. With the improvedpolitical climate andattitude toward the examinations we look forward to contin- by U.S. authorities and is being implemented. The other concerns compensation for the Rongelap people forill effects of fallout exposure and provides also for a paymentto the Utirik people and for special compensation to the parents of the boy whodiedof leukemia. (See Appendix 1.) We believe that the Rongelap peopleareentitled to fur- uing these important and challenging missions and to offering specialized health care to these Marshall Islanders in future years. vii R.A. Conard, M.D.