the radiological conditions of the atolls on and around the test sites, as well as the people who were fallout victims. In addition, our commitments te insure tne safe return of the Bikinians and tlic people of Enewetak make it inperative that they and their environment be attended to witi: the’ best tcsting equipment available. It appears that none of the involved Departments has budgeted adequately for chis needed and highly warranted effort in order to meet our statutory end moral commitments to the people of this arca. This has become incrcesingly clear throursh staff Level dialogs as well as the recent unsuccessful effort to perform the best possibie survey on Bikini. To better assess the problems and to determine exactly what remains to be done and who is responsible for funding and executing all or various segments of future radiological surveys and monitoring, I feel that an interagency meeting is essential. I therefore propose that kev personnel from each Department meet at Interior on June 25 at 2:00 PH, whereupon ERDA can set forth its proposed program along with support requirements. If agreement on budgeting and support commitments cannot be reached, we will at least be in a position to present the problen tc the Office of Manarement and Budget and seek further instructions. I am asking that this meeting be coordinated by the Director of Territorial Affairs. Staff contact can be made through Mr. Har~~ U. Brown at 343-4736. We believe that the United States commitment under the Trusteeship Agreement requires a strong reaffirmation by all concerned agencies, to work together in carrying out a comprehensive program, not only for Bikini or Enewetak, but ail other involved areas.in the Trust Territory which were touched by the LO-year testing program. Sincerely yours, @ ha de CO} stant Secretary of Hon. James R. Schlesinger Secretary of Defense Washington, D.C. 20301 Enclosure -9005 |Aan meee eee ec pee ampgaea so r 3% eice vem te mats Pole Interior