Trip Report -ll- Record of Rongelap Meeting, February 4, 1979 40 adults, 30 children. The meeting was opened with a prayer and then Dr. Pratt greeted the people and had the Magistrate read a letter from Dr. Conard. It was a little embarrassing because parts of the letter were obviously confusing to the Magistrate and the translation may have been poor. Dr. Pratt then introduced everybody and explained the structure of the U.S. Government to the people, showing relationship between DOE and BNL. Note: Dr. Pratt taped this meeting. Q. Why doesn't health money come from DOE. A. Pratt: DOI is charged with general health care. There was a terrible accident in 1954 and since AEC was responsible, now DOE is responsible for providing health care for effected people. Q. Why doesn't DOE fund all medical treatment for Rongelap and Utirik? A. Pratt: We are discussing in Washington the possibility of doing more but the U.S. Congress must be convinced. Q. Many people feel that DOE should bring medicine directly to Rongelap. A. Pratt: I am trying to do that but Congress must help us. did expand the program through DOE funded by Congress. Magistrate: Dr. Conard We want more help from DOE. Q. Why aren't eyes and teeth covered under DOE/TT agreement. I heard over the news that the people's teeth on Rongelap were worse than on others. A. Pratt: Q. Who is covered? A. HUB: I explained coverage and told the people that the DOE was asking Brookhaven to O.K. all borderline cases for referral to be covered by per diem. Q. Why wasn't DOE providing all treatment? A. HUB: We did expand medical care starting in 1977 and the U.S. will never walk away from its responsibilities. Now the U.S. is discussing a new and better agreement with the TT for the people of Rongelap and Utirik. News is inaccurate.