permit the Range to operate this additional vessel according to AEC requirements and scheduling without interfering with its current wission assignaents. The next scheduled requirement for marine support fn the Marshalls will be in March 1974 in connection with a periodic medical survey of the natives of Rongelap. It would be most desirable to have the Marshal] Islands Research Vessel operational at that time. Te this end, and anticipating the requested mission assignment, I request your early concurrence fn principle to permit further detailed examfnation of this matter jointly by the Nevada Operations Office and the Kwajalein Missile Range.