C 8. C With regard to the question of "guinea pigs" or victims of circumstances (pp. 133-153), no responsible government officials or scientists would undertake to expose human populations such as the Marshallese or the U. S. servicemen on Rongerik to damaging amounts of radiation to gain scientific information. On the other hand, when exposures have occurred, whether they be in Japan, the Pacific, in watch dial painters or in criticality accidents in the nuclear industry, scientific observations have been made and studies have been carried out. The benefits from these observations and studies sometimes accrue to the individuals themselves and at other times to persons who will be exposed in the future. 9. Relative to AEC influence on the medical survey team, the AEC has a contractual arrangement with Brookhaven National Laboratory to conduct surveys in the Marshall Islands (pp. 143-144). This arrange- ment provides a means of guaranteeing that the surveys will be performed reliably and with maximal continuity. Almost 20 years of surveys that have been led by the same individual and have enjoyed the respect of the scientific community bear testimony to the success of this arrangement. The AEC neither interferes with the conduct of the surveys nor with the content of the publications. 10. Medical judgment was exercised in the decision not to use anti- biotics prophylactically during the period of acute effects after the detonation and also in the timing of the start of thyroid hormone therapy (pp. 144-149). The decisions were made by competent physicians, who had a sincere concern for the welfare of the patients, and were in keeping with accepted medical practice. Since medicine is not an exact science, medical judgment is frequently subject to challenge, especially in hindsight. In spite of the possibility that other physicians might have decided these matters differently, there seem to be no adequate grounds for challenging the competence and sincerity of these physicians or of their judgment in these and other instances cited in the Report. 11. Concerning recommendations (pp. 173-175), the AEC has under study a program of increased medical surveillance including the presence of a physician in the Islands like Dr. Knud Knudsen of Brookhaven National Laboratory if a suitable person can be found. Statutory authorities and responsibilities affect the role that the AEC can play in the medical program for the Marshallese, Within those limitations the AEC will cooperate as much as possible with the Government of the Trust Territory and the Congress of Micronesia in promoting the health of the people. 1 OATES TMT SangYW So Cop RR tre rae : Va “ 44 LEESRB RAR YS mt ‘ . ‘ re tee my cane rh . ? . tate tere mee