. Honorable Olympio T. Borja -2- AUG 21 1973 I have been informed by Dr. Conard that, in view of ; . death, he will have a special team conduct a hematologic survey during the interim period between the annual surveys. In this way it should be possible to detect any disease-related hematologic abnormalities at an early stage. Relative to the funding of Dr. Conard's work, the level of AEC financial support has enabled his surveys to include an extensive battery of relevant tests. As need arises for additional procedures or projects, Dr. Conard submits his requests to AEC where they are considered for approval by our staff. Im fact, AEC is now considering the acquisition of a vessel to be used by Dr. Knudsen and the medical survey teams as well as by other AEC-sponsored biomedical and radio- logical groups. Such a vessel would make possible more frequent visits to Rongelap and Utirik atolls. With respect to the concern of the people over eating certain foods, only one food item, the coconut crab, was restricted in the past, and that restriction was liberalized for Rongelap recently. It is unfortunate that the population has been fearful of eating other foods which have been considered safe for consumption. Repeated reassurance is probably the most effective means of combating this fear. Your committee and other respected Micronesian citizens are probably best able to assure the inhabitants of the islands of the safety of those foods. Dr. Conard has informed us that he and members of his scientific team will contribute their scientific expertise in support of this important educational program. I have brought to the attention of AEC personnel who conduct radiological surveys in the Marshall Islands your suggestion concerning another radiological survey of Rongelap and Utirik and a subsequent report on the survey to be written in the Marshallese language. You undoubtedly are aware that AEC surveyed Bikini Atoll at various times from 1° 7 to 1972, and recently conducted a survey of Eniwetok Atoll from Octob 1972 to February 1973. At present, the extensive data accumulated during this latest survey are being analyzed. It is our wish to have the Eniwetok people fully informed of the results of the survey in order that they may participate in a knowledgeable manner in the decisions and planning et Seen slareeeiesr: for their return to the Eniwetok Atoll. We are in fact taking the necessary action to have the essential results of this survey made available in the Marshallese language. PRIVACY ACT MATERIAL REMOVED