ther compensation for injuries received, although, on the basis of the effects of their previous compen- need for continued examinations when nosignifi- cant findings were reported. In spite.of such prob- sation in 1965, the ultimate benefits are doubtful, lems, the people have always been friendly, and, and another payment might push them furthertowardthestate of welfare and perpetual dole. Dr. except on one occasion (a case of political inter- ference, described below), have generally cooper- ated in the examinations. Psychological reaction to the fallout has been reflected at various times in fears regarding fertility, a belief that fish poisoning was dueto radioactivity rather than to the poisonous nature ofthefish, feelings of weakness attrib- William Peck, the former Director of Health Ser- vices in the Trust Territory, has put this situation nicely: “To withhold further funds and thus deepen the grievance,or increase the compensation and thereby the dolor of dependence -— either course of action seems only to compoundtheir original injury, and our dilemma!” Further problemsin the Marshall Islands are associated with the return of the former residents uted to radiation, and fear of thyroid cancer and leukemia (following the death of the Rongelap boy). A major concernfor the past 5 years has been local political interference and questions concerning the medical examinations. The Trust Terri- to live on Bikini and Eniwetok, which were con- taminated duringthe testing program. Numerous radiological surveys have indicated that with certain restrictions these atolls can be habitable again. Since a number of concrete homes have been completed on Bikini, about 40 people have returned, but they must be subsidized becauseit tory now has a Congress of Micronesia (not connected with the U.S. administration), which has appointed a Special Committee to investigate the health status of the Rongelap and Utirik people. Unfounded accusations were made bycertain local politicians that the United States deliberately exposed the peopleto fallout so that they could be will be several years before the coconut and other trees bear fruit. A numberof people are expected used as “guinea pigs”to study the effects, and that to return to Eniwetokto live in the near future. the medical team was concealing deaths from radiation and was notreportingallofits findings. In March 1972 the survey was interrupted by the politicians and had to be aborted at Rongelap. Afterwards the Congress of Micronesia appointed medical observers to accompanythe team on asurvey in September 1972. Two prominentphysicians from Japan (Drs. H. Ezaki and T. Kumatori), one The medical team as well as other radiological safety personne! at BNL have beenassigned the responsibility of personnel and environmental monitoring to assure the radiological safety of the returning people. Personnel monitoring and en- vironmental surveys at Bikini were instituted a few years ago, and only very low levels of inter- from England (Dr. E.E. Pochin), and one from the U.S. Public Health Service (Dr. W. Cole) accom- nally absorbed radionuclides have been noted. ERDAis sponsoring continuing surveysof these atolls, being done by several insticutions. The medical surveys have been a rewarding experience for ail the personnel who have partici- panied the team andparticipated in the examinations. Their report to the Congress of Micronesia was most favorable and has done muchto quietthe political accusations. The Special Committee on Rongelap and Utirik published a lengthy report?* ofits investigations, including the report of the observers, andthis also has helped bring about a more favorableattitude to the medical examinations. Two major bills have been initiated by the Congress of Micronesia. One concerns payment of travel and living expenses for any patient from Rongelap and Utirik on our examinationlist who needs hospitalization. This bill has been approved by U.S. authorities and is being implemented. - The other concerns compensation for the Rongelap people forill effects of fallout exposure and provides also for a paymentto the Utirik people and for special compensation to the parents ofthe pated. We have been fortunate in obtaining the services of talented specialists and technicians and in having the continued staunch support andas- sistance of many people at Brookhaven National Laboratory, ERDA,and the Trust Territory, and the authorities at Kwajalein, without which the success of the surveys would not have been possible. The medical team has developed a deep friendship for the Marshallese over the years. In spite of the injuries and hardships resulting from the 1954 accident, they have cooperated with us even through the period ofpolitical disturbances. With the improved political climate and attitude toward the examinations we look forward to continuing these important and challenging missions and to offering specialized health care to these Marshail boy whodied of leukemia. (See Appendix 1.) We believe that the Rongelap people are entitled to fur- Islanders in future years. vii R.A. Conard, M.D.