DRAFT 26 A study of "atoll soil types in relation to the distrbution of fallout radionuclides," made from collections done in 1958, 1959, 1951, and 1963, is completed by the LRB. It notes that “different plant soil environments on single islets have a different vertical distribution pattern ... from the same fallout." In addition, "the maximum concentration of fallout radionuclides remains at fhe soil surface... except in areas where there has been erosion." Finally, while "Cs7’ and Sr® are the principal radionuclides entering a cycle within the soil-plant systefx" and "loss from this system appears to be small," no definite conclusions are drawg from this data.'’* Sep - Dec 65 CONTRACTOR MEDICAL Conard begins "routine administration of thyroid hormon Rongelap people.’ 1966 to the exposed ADMINISTRATION WEAPONTESTING The T.T. legislature requests President Lyndon B. Johr&éon to create a commission to consider the future status of the T.T.'*” Safeguard "C" focuses on Johnston Atoll under a [memorandum of understanding between the Defense Atomic Support Agency (DAS) and the AEC." Feb - Mar 66 CONTRACTOR MEDICAL Conard identifies five more people with thyroid nodules, brihging the total to 16 of the 69 survivors from the 1954 test. The BNL plans to bridg these five new cases to BNL in May for study and treatment. To date only one been found, but it is noted that thyroid cancer often grows "in Forty children from Utirik who had received 14R whole body cancer case has fnodular fashion." exposures are also examined, and no nodules are found. In addition, 194 unexposed|Marshallese now living on these islands are examined, and three people over 47 yebrs old are found to have nodules.'*” May - Jun 66 CONTRACTOR MEDICAL The five Marshallese with nodules, discovered in Conard’s March 1966 survey,. are brought to BNL for evaluation and given subtotal thyroidectomieg at New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston. All patients have goiters with nodi#les and one has Hurtle ceils. None exhibit complications, and the group is returned They will be treated with thyroid hormones.’” Sep 66 Home on 16 June. CONTRACTOR MEDICAL Conard visits the five Marshallese operated on in June 1966 dnd finds no new medical problems. In addition, "the nodules ... of the remaining patients seem ... controllable by ... thyroid hormone.""”’