the prime source of income, there was some concern over the slowness with which the people were getting back on their feet economically. bo i | i 1 | 1 | 4 ats, Poy al. i It had become necessary to extend food subsistence beyond the time originally planned. it should have been. Fishing was not being carried on as actively as "At the village meeting the main questions centered around the necessity for the continued medical examinations in view of statements on the part of the medical team in the past that the people were generally in good health. It was difficult to explain to them that, although they appeared to be in good health and to have recovered from the acute effects of radiation, very little was known about the possible late effects of radiation, and continued examinations were essential in order to detect and treat any untoward effects, should they arise. The coconut crab problem was brought up again, and the reasons for prohibiting their consumption carefully explained through the interpreter. To correct a misconception that several cases of fish poisoning during the past year had been due to eating radioactive fish, it was explained that fish poisoning had been going on in these islands for years and was not connected with radioactivity. After much discussion, it seemed that the people were satisfied with answers to the questions, and preparations for the examinations proceeded. Thereafter complete cooperation and the usual friendly relations prevailed throughout the stay on the island. “During the examinations a United Nations team visited Rongelap. A meeting with the people was held in the church (Figure 5), and many aspects of the Rongelap situation were discussed. The report of the UN group was favorable toward the special medical assistance being rendered the people. "Upon completion of the 1959 survey, a meeting was held for the people, and they were advised that they were found to be generally in good health with no serious effects of their radiation exposure apparent, but that continued examinations would be necessary in order to insure a “*y continued good health. They were also advised to try to improve their oral hygiene and observe sanitary rules to control the flies on the island. | al., 4 wee «LL, "Before the team left the island, a party was held for the Rongelapese. The Navy kindly furnished a meal, and small gifts were exchanged as tokens of appreciation of mutual cooperation." and from the 1961 report (p.7) "On arrival, an outrigger canoe came alongside the ship with the Magistrate of the village, who came aboard. The objectives of our visit to Rongelap were discussed with him, and it was considered advisable to hold a village meeting so that the proposed examinations could be explained to the people and any questions they might have could be answered. 119