The Honorable Yallace O. July 25, 1980 Page Three Finally, Green we were advised that even on August 4 there would not be available either a concensus executive branch view on what this phrase in the law means or a draft scope of work document upon which other representatives of the Government of the Marshall Islands might comment. AccorGinogly and recretfully, the Government of the Marshall Islands is obliged to refrain from participating in tne August 4 meeting or anv other meeting that may be misCharacterized as consultation unless and until we are given some acvance opportunity to consider the views of the Department so that we can engace in meaningful ceonsultation. I know that your Department would not feel it had been given a fair opportunity to comment on a significant document if the first draft of the document were prevared only after meetincs in which your Department participated and no opportunity was Given to your Department to comment upon anv draft before it became final and binding upon your Department. The situation in recard to intergovernmental consultation on health care planning for the innocent vic- tims of the nuclear weapons testing program requires at least the level of thought and care that goes into Interagency deliberation on matters of less sicnificance, anc I am sure you will understand our disappointment and frustration. Sincerely vours, Anton A. deBrum Secretary of Foreign Affairs cc: The Honorable Phillip Burton The Honorabie Henry M. Jackson Ambassador Peter R. Rosenblatt Mr. Jeffrey Farrow Richard D. Copaken, Esq. Dr. Robert Loeffler