"Sec. 4. A payment made under the provisions of this act shall be in full settlement and discharge of all claims against the United States arising out of the thermonuclear detonation on March 1, 1954." Despite the finality of the language of the act, the Assistant Secretary's letter in part, read as follows: woe, m "There is, to date, no evidence of leukemia nor of radiation illness. Further, whether or not the radiation has had any life-shortening affects is not apparent. It does appear, however, that bone development in young children who were affected by the fallout may have been retarded, and also that there is a possibility of a somewhat greater incidence of miscarriages and stillbirths among the exposed women. Neither sufficient time has elapsed nor sufficient knowledge acquired to permit positive conclusions to be drawn as to the long-range effect of the fallout on the Rongelapese. * Compensation in various forms has been paid to the affected individuals. They have been provided extensive medical care and treatment, and they continue to receive periodic examinations and treatment. They were, of course, provided housing and subsistence from the time of their evacuation until their return to Rongelap, Since their return, in addition to new houses, a school, a church, a community building, and other facilities, they have been given new livestock and agricultural aid, as well as subsistence in decreasing amounts. Small claims for property losses, such as clothing and handtools, were paid by the Department of Defense soon after the event. These claims were paid in a total amount of $6,869. “in February 1960 a complaint against the United States was sent to the high court of the Trust Territory by attorneys for the Rongelapese. - The complaint sought $8,500,000 as compensation for property damage, radiation sickness, burns, physical and mental agony, loss of consortium, and medical expenses. suit was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. -16- NEE ree ee, SR me ceases Bein PittTES SRE In January 1°41 the