James L. Ss Placa -2- The only serious effort to communicate with the Marshallese on the general subject of radiological contamination and radiation Ped safety has been made by SSC. The enclosed booklet on Enewetak, 3 (ho MY? oe Liverman printed in both Marsnallese and English, is the first of a planned series that explains in simple terms the radiological problems unique to a particular Pacific atoll. Though research and medical -f~llowup projects have been supported by AEC/ERDA for many years, here has been a lack of timely information in Marshallese on these activities in the Pacificy that would serve to educate the people, so they can understand the purposes of the medical and research programs and the significance of results obtained. The greatest need within ERDA relative to health and safety of the Marshallese is for better planning and program definition within AES supported activities. However, the programs of SSC and BER must continue to be maintained as separate operations because of reasons cited in 1. above. Also, recent experience where medical staff were refused entry by residents of an atoll is while radiological survey activities were allowed to proceed another clear indication that radiological followup activities have to be decoupled from research and medical work to the extent possible until the people's objections can be resolved and better understanding obtained. It will be difficult if not impossible for a resident "scientific manager" to provide management or coordination function relative to radiological safety responsibilities. Acritical part of the job is liaison with the Headquarters of other agencies having cleanup and rehabilitation responsibilities. If decisions on re- settlement are dependentuponresearchy yet to be performed, then resettlement should be discontinued. Otherwise, ERDA could be accused of acting prematurely in recommending resettlement of the test atolls. Assessments of projected radiation doses for various groups of Marshallese are performed by laboratories based in the mainland, They also conduct field surveys and analyze collected samples. Recommended radiation criteria for cleanup of atolls and for evaluations of effectiveness of restrictions and precautions for control of exposures were developed in close coordination with EPA and other responsible agencies. Interpretation and application of these guidelines cannot be made without careful coordination with these groups. 7 wep ms Rowe Lowe Ay Ra : rae ety + 7 aft % Deg 2 oy ads eu ODay “ot . : STE oT weeny Wither, ‘ 2“ . Re 2s PHM Tea “a tee ‘ Ps . 7, . a 8 : ee ee ap ree rams rene ee MY . t. . Loe i os vy voowit > .