——_—_— Japtan and Medren islands, should the six islands be planted with coconut trees. The assumptions inherent in those dose estimates were identified in that letter. As we pointed out in that letter, however, the dose estimates do not account for those individuals who might, for whatever purpose, engage in activities and practices which would lead to greater exposures than those indicated, Furthermore, we stated in that letter that the acceptability of copra from those coconut trees at processing facilities or its marketability in world commerce was not being addressed. At present there is no basis for encouraging the expectation that "science" will find a way to reduce the uptake of radionuclides, particularly cesium and strontium, by coconut trees. While studies to modify this uptake continue to be in progress, currently there is no justification for optimism on this matter. An additional question is the administrative mechanism by means of which decisions will be made in the years to come should the concentration of radionuclides in the coconuts be unacceptable on the world market. Based upon the experience at Bikini Island, and in view of Mr. Deal's letter of September 29, 1978, to Admiral Monroe, the unacceptability of these coconuts on the world market would appear to be a very real possibility. Inview of the changing relationships in the Marshall Islands, it is not clear where responsibility and authority may reside should this matter need to be addressed in the future. ,