she tt NNAale Se a et ant areae, Pade are tessa ne Peas 5 “ UATeSae EE gts umeeek ple eat MRT ENDEROL - 2We are sorry that there have been contlicting reports about the : future health of the exposed people of Rongelap. Specifically, I strongly disagree with the Japanese newspaper report that it is necessary to leave Rongelap because of the radiation levels on the atoll. There have been many tests of soil, plants, water on the island, and measurements of urine and radiation in the people living on Rongelap. These tests show that the levels are low and they are getting less and less. I share the opinion of the Brookhaven doctors that the little bit of radiation left on the island would not be expected to cause any health effects. LI hope to be able to make arrangements for several scientists, not from the U.S., to visit Rongelap in the near future and discuss with you their findings. We are pleased about the remarks made in your letter about the Brookhaven medical team. I have a great deal of confidence in Drs. Conard and Knudsen and the other fine doctors that have taken part in the medical program. I am sure they always had your welfare at heart. I am convinced that the medical examinations of the Rongelap people have been very thorough and complete with many tests on the people and on their blood, urine, etc. Some of the most skillful doctors in the U.S. and from other countries have taken part in these examinations. They have used the best equipment possible that can be taken to the island. You can be sure that the examination program ensures early diagnosis and treatment of all disease. Currently, arrangements are being discussed to permit all the people living on Rongelap, including children, to have an examination at least once a year by the Brookhaven doctors. I am also discussing plans with the Trust Territory to provide further education for the ‘Health Aides in the diagnosis and treatment of. radiation effects. I realize that at the time of the annual examinations, there is sufficient.disruption of. life and thatthe team should provide ‘additiona). food.” L am; therefore, ‘recommending that-a sufficient... amount of foodbe. furnished by the team during , the.Period of the examination. oy Members of my ‘staff . and I have had ‘several discussions with Dr. Conard” - regarding the.past and future medical care of the Rongelap people. “Prom these* digcussions; :“tt has’ become. velear, tome-that:‘effective .. Do a hae deat, ti ’rmedical -care can only be providedif the doctors can spend enough time with. the people of ‘Rongelap’ to ‘talk to them and ‘answer ‘their ae questions. I an, therefore, asking Dr. Conard’ and the other doctors to make arrangements to stay on at Rongelap for as long as necessary to-make sure that all people get a chance to talk to them. . ‘ whe a yt el ate ee erty wet a : : as I008b10 .OP ageeen : Me + : SAS et + . . e .GM tae BEN beget et ee elise eet os Ogee r a tn etree oe