AO aoe UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20545 January 24, 1972 R. Conard, T. McCraw, BNL DOS C. Edington, DBM WM, Bender , DBM LEUKOCYTE PREPARATIONS FOR BIKINI POPULATION ; It has been suggested that it might be worthwhile to look into the possibility of obtaining leukocyte cell preparations prior to the return of Bikinians from Kili. The preparations could be held for chromosome analysis to provide baseline and control data if it proved worthwhile to study the incidence and cause of chromosome abberations in the resettled population at some future time. Tom McCraw has provided the following information regarding resettlement plans and progress. At present there are approximately 350 Bikinians on Kili. Information now several years old indicates that perhaps no more than one half of these might want to permanently resettle on Bikini. Indications are that a larger proportion of older Bikinians will want CO return. Lt is expected thac cherée might be cousiveravle Cemporary restttlement followed by return to Kili before a fairly stable population is established on Bikini. Foundations for forty houses have apparently been completed by a resident work team consisting largely of non-Bikinians. It is expected that five dwellings will be completed Shortly and possible that five families might be moved from Kili by March 1. Tt appears more likely, however, that the first Bikinians will not return for sometime after March 1. There are two methods by which the requisite preparations might be obtained. j A two week visit by a technical team to Kili to collect blood and prepare specimens. Kili apparently has few if any existing facilities which could be used in support of such an operation. The team would have to come completely equipped. Blood sample collection From resettled Bikinians by Conard in connection with his annual visit to Rongelap. Kapid tvarsvort of these samples to a suitable laboratory would have to oe arranged. ‘ BEST COPYAVAILABLE 3009543