Mr. Roger Ray Page Two 2. July 12, 1978 Reliability The examinations are carried out on a number of widely-separated atolls including Rongelap, Utirik and, in the future,Kili, which is far to the south. We need a reliable ship that can maintain a reasonable speed in order to formulate definite survey schedules. Medical specialists par- ticipating must be assured that a reasonably definite schedule can be maintained since time away from their work is at a premium. We feel that the YFU under consideration - or another suitable vessel snould be obtained ,if at all possible,to carry out our program. In the meantime, without a support vessel, it is impossible to carry out the necessary logistic support of our surveys. Therefore, it is imperative that such a vessel be obtained as soon as possible if we are to continue our program. Sincerely yours, Robert A. Conard, M.D. wht _ ann Prat Lantal —e oc ei bva