4.
In light of serious, unique health problems, a much higher level
of health care
is needed for the Marshall Islands,
for the whole
povulation, and cn a eccntinuing basis. Consultation is needed to
determine potentially effective ways for promoting this.
Profound moral and legal questions are raised in the matter of
the radiatiwn-contaminated atolls. Who shall decide and upon
what basis shall
they or shall they not be
"cleaned",
It would
seem appropriate for the churches to project such questions,
even if final action would seem totally dependent upon US
willingness to respond.
6. The Marshallese people will be living with the reality of ionizing
radiation for a long time to come. Efforts at educating them
about it are extremely important. Thus far, however, such
efforts have not been effective. It appears that the level of
trust for the US Department of Energy is so low that this educatienal task should be taken up by some other, more trusted
group.
7. A related, but slightly different point than 6: We found that a
serious lack of technical information exists in the Marshalls
about the radiation problem. It would seem important that the
US Government make an unreserved effort to supply and the Government of the Marshalls to serve as custodian for a basic library
and file of technical reports and papers accessible to interested
persons and groups.
8.
.
In no way would we jeopardize the effectiveness of the lawyers
seeking to bring a greater measure of justice to the Marshallese
groups engaged in litigation against the US Government for health,
environmental
and other claims.
At the
same
time,
it might be
helpful for the Government of the Marshalls to establish guidelines for the lawyers, in the interest of the Marshallese groups,
including guidelines for lawyer's fees.
9.
Since the sit-in demonstration last year at Kwajalein (called
"Operation Homecoming” by the Marshallese), the Kwajalein Missile
Range Base officials have taken an unnecessarily harsh line
against the Marshallese community at Ebeye. We would hope that
even though many of the basic, long-term questions have not been
resolved, the people, as the rightful owners of Kwajalein, will
be treated with dignity and respect, that Base officials will
give serious consideration to their complaints, and neither
limit nor withhold essential services.
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P.S. A more detailed version alona with a complete itinerary and
some historical notes may be obtained from the Commission of
the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council
of Churches (150, route de Ferney,
which organized the visit.
~6-
Geneva,
Switzerland),
.