41 SS BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES, INC. Upton, New York 11973 Medical Department (516) 345-3577 November 11, 1977 Mr. Ronald G. Bakal Attorney at Law 8447 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 409 Beverly Hills, California 90211 Dear Mr. Bakal, I have received your letter of October 19, 1977, asking for the reason why Utirik Atoll was not included in the quarterly medical surveys of June and September. At the time of the annual survey at Utirik, I was informed by members of the Council that the people of Utirik no longer wished to be cared for by Dr. Knudsen. I pointed out that Dr. Knudsen was the resident physician (our only physician in the area) and that honoring this request would mean that Utirik would receive no further medical attention (other than that provided by the Trust Territory) until the time of the next annual survey. However, Dr. Knudsen said that if the people should invite him to return, he would do so. . The Council declined. I was recently notified that the Council had reversed its decision and was willing to accept Dr. Knudsen, but this information was given too lates te permit inclusion oi Utirik in the September survey. How- ever, Dr. Knudsen is planning to visit Utirik at the time of the December survey. Sincerely, Pld Ge Lome A Robert A. Conard, M.D. RAC: gc cc: Dr. Konrad Kotrady Ataji Balos John Heine Larry Pryor Glen H. Alcalay ee ass