DRAFT 65 the DOE/NV organized and conducted the radiological survey of 288 islands in the northern Marshalls as part of the DOE project. Recognizing that EP has been responsible since 1977 for the Marshall Islands programs, Roser explains that, except . for the professional medical responsibility, the technical resources currently in the Marshall Islands are primarily weapons-related and are part of the Safeguard "°C" program to maintain the capability to resume atmospheric testing. "In fact,” adds Roser, "much of the field effort in the Marshall Islands is an exercise of the expeditionary capability which is an important aspect of Defense Programs’ Safeguard ‘'C." Because most of the DOE logistic and support base “is common to the Safeguard 'C’ readiness program,” DP should assume direction and control of the DOE Marshall island activities, Roser condudes.“ 25 Mar 82 ADMINISTRATION Kris Morris reports that Herman E. Roser has signed the proposalto transfer the Marshall islands program to DP. The only issue is one of where to locate the program in DP: in program support (PS) or safety, environment, and emergency actions (SEEA). Morris recommendsthat the program be placed in PS. She does not foresee the need for additional staff because the bulk of the work is.done in NV and the Pacific Area support office (PASO). Apr 82 ADMINISTRATION Dr. Charles W. Edington, associate director of the DOE OHER, calls thelinking of Safeguard "C" to the Marshall Islands program "ludicrous." Edington drafts an issue paper discussing the proposed transfer of the Marshall Islands program to DP. The paper, which was never sent, concludes: DP does not have the medical or technical staff to manage the program and an association of the health care and radiological monitoring programs to the weapons program will destroy any pretense of objectivity. OHERsees no point in continuing research at the Mid-Pacific Marine Laboratory. He perceives this attempt as anothereffort to transfer management of the program to NV.. Edington recommends thatif EP. is unwilling: to“retain the ‘program: that-it be transferred: to’ ERSEHER:instead“ot DP: Healso ‘acknowledges:the ‘differences of opinionbetweeratieDOEand'NV onDOE'srole inthe Marshafftstarids: ' while the DOE:maintainsiat ‘it is an-advisor fo'theDOVand the DOD;'NV"fias ted the Marshalles#to béllevethat the DOE -Ras a greater‘resporisibifity than is the case.“ PPT Sa Ge eenete Te 14 Apr 82 me ADMINISTRATION vy - Ce retin On ds | J. W. Thiessen, acting deputy associate director of EP, opposes the recommendation of Roser to transfer the Marshall Islands program to DP. Thiessen believes that Roser’s recommendation results from pressures from NV to take over the policy direction of a program in which NV has had only logistic support responsibility. According to Thiessen, DP also wants the program control in orderto retain the Mid-Pacific Research Laboratory on Enjebi Island. Thiessen fears thatif the program is transferred to DP, then headquarters would not be consulted adequately. Moreover, Thiessen thinks that the DOE should close the Mid-Pacific Research Laboratory because it has beeninactive for several year. He recommendsthat if EP wishes to drop theprogram, then the Marshall Islands project should be transferred back to his office. 9004423