411699 CERTAIN ISSUES INVOLVING MR. ROGER RAY Nov 7 Quarantine of Runit In mid-May 1972, as our preliminary radiological survey of Eniwetok was being completed (and concurrent with the visit of the Marshallese traditional leaders), Roger Ray learned that the radiological survey party had retrieved on Runit Island three pieces of debris which it was then believed might contain metallic plutonium. These fragments were returned by special courier to the University of Washington for priority analysis. Upon completion of the Marshallese visit to Eniwetok, the party returned to Kwajalein and, while there, Mr. Ray received the results of the analysis and it confirmed that the particles were almost certainly metallic plutonium. Knowing the probable source of this material and, therefore, that a large quantity of plutonium probably remained on Runit, he became deeply concerned that no measures were being taken or were available to prevent serious contamination of people, equipment, vehicles, and marine craft. Lacking such measures, plutonium contamination of Eniwetok Island and even aircraft departing therefrom might occur. He immediately consulted with the DNA PACE Project Officer and with the SAMTEC Liaison Officer on Kwajalein and informed them that he felt it his responsibility to cause preventive actions to be taken. To that end he prepared and coordinated with the aforenamed individuals a teletype to the Commanding General, SAMTEC, at Vandenburg AFB, recommending that the CG, SAMTEC, Major General Low, invoke a quarantine until appropriate controls could be established. As soon as he reached Honolulu and was able to discuss this matter by telephone, he telephoned the Acting Manager, NV, to initiate the necessary cD © wo a a to Oo oO Do ct ja ov) follow-on actions. be, Ray and Brigadier General Brickel sometime before the Sentember 7 Interagency meeting, Mr. Ray and Dr. Walt Neivik of Livermore discussed the matter of laboratory analytical workload neposirory Doe istocyD bvi3o COLLECTION RO 326“fommy Me Craw J ob4 (320 BOXNo. FOLDER > Orcen itch ony ar ! 7