AC 1 2483 Department of Energy Pacific Area Support Office : PO. Box 29939 ege Lule 2 Honolulu, Hawaii 96820 Addressees PROPOSED DOE/TIPI In response to Dr. AGREEMENT ON RONGELAP/UTIRIK Burr's July 11, 1978 teleconimunications to Robert Taft, copy enclosed, we enclose as Tab A for your review 4 draft Interagency Agreement which might serve as the basis to replace Agreement E(29-7)3159 which expires on September 30, 1978. This 1s PASO's proposal based on information gathered from key TTPI personnel during twocgeparate trips to Majuro and Ebeye. We also enclose as Tab B, a comparison listing the key differences between this draft and existing Agreement E(29-7)3159. Perhaps these can be used as a departure -point for discussions on this matter during the October 3 meeting in Washington with Dr. Weyzen, Dr. Conard, Roger Ray and staff personnel. We wish to point out that this draft has not yet had the benefit of a full NV review primarily because of the short time remaining before the October 3 meeting. Therefore, NV addressees are invited to submit their comments to PASO before the October 3 meeting. > It is appropriate at this time to raise an issue brought up by the attorney for the Rongelap people, but not addressed in the draft for obvious reasons. They feel that any new agreement should include medical coverage for all persons from Rongelap and Utirik with thyroid abnormalities. The basis for this request is the contention that it is difficult if not impossible to convince non-exposed or control group persons that their thyroid problem is somehow different from the others. I expect to have Harry Brown represent PASO at the October meeting to provide a first hand account of the events which led to the enciosed draft. Sincerely, Origine! Sig ned By W. J. ; parry Woo: Seabee OP-7 25 HUB: jhf ‘ Director , Enclosures: As indicated “~ Addressees Mahlon E. Gates, Manager, NV Roger Ray, APO, NV rr (. Leon Silverstrom, Chief, Counsel, NV. SN) 0 3 i tee a . . - * Dr. William W, Burr, HQ DOE “pr. Walter Weyzen, HQ DOE Dr. Robert Conard, BNL 19g