} A oe “40112 BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY pm | Soe 4 v a AY ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES, INC... UPTON. LLL, N.Y. 11973 eR MEDICAL DEPARTMENT TELEPHONE: (516) 345- 3577 January 12, 1977 Dr. William W. Burr, Jr. Deputy Director DBER-ERDA Washington, D.C. 20545 Dear Bill, I would like to make a comment concerning the Bakal and Bakal letter of November 15, 1976 to Dr. Robert Seamans. The letter states that the December 1976 medical survey expedition to the atoll was cancelled as a result of their clients demand for compensation. The real reason was that Dr. Knudsen was asked to leave the island and he told them he would not return until the people asked him to. I do not know what the basis is for their claim that the second generation children were afflicted, We have not been examining these children but we have seen nothing of this nature in the children of the more heavily exposed Rongelap group. I realize that there are many more statements in the letter that will have to be examined in some depth. I am happy to learn you will be attending the meetings in the Marshall Islands. We plan on getting Dr. Knudsen here by Jan. 23 in order to have a preliminary meeting with you on January 24 to discuss the agreement. I understand you are inviting DOI representatives, including possibly Peter Coleman, for the afternoon session. We will take the Islip-Washington flight on the 24th and hope to arrive in Germantown by 10 - 10:30 a.m. (Cronkite, Knudsen and I). Vic hopes to join us in the afternoon, I believe. If there is any further material you need from me for the Island meetings, please Let me know. Sincerely, OD Set Robert A. but tet af . fe fivorrite, of. ae Aakeof AX >; Practctang INFORMATION OPERATOR (516] 345-2123 ‘ ' a . yes Fo, - fo 5 . Conard, M.D. <7) RAC: gc ot a tteomer I x Zz ~~ >