AO.9 UNITED STATES ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION NEVADA OPERATIONS OFFICE P, O. BOX 14100 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89114 Walter H. Weyzen, Deputy Manager Physical and Technological Programs Division of Biomedical and Environmental Research, HQ DRAFT REPLY OF UTIRIK LETTER Although I expect that the response to the People of Utirik has been at least in part overtaken by events, Iam enclosing a re-draft "line-in line-out" version. Underlined are the words I suggest for those deleted. JI think the suggested changes are self-explanatory. I would like to suggest also that certain of the questions raised in the letter from the People of Utirik are not specifically responded to in this draft, to wit: #4. The perceived difference in treatment of the two populations is not directly addressed. More than the control population seems to be atissue. Is the difference real? #6. The diabetes question is not addressed. #7. a) We have conducted some field studies at Utirik and more are planned. b) Some of the information from Enewetak would be helpful here. Also, we should try to get the District Agriculturist (or some of our own people) to look at the arrowroot problem. We will more than likely find both irrigation problems and the need to improve the soil. After talking with Bob Conard last week and having had further information regarding the situation Dr. Knudsen found at Utirik, I am even more strongly influenced in the direction of a face-to-face meeting with eats re panne Meet wee!