for surgery, and cases of nodules on the thyroids are increasing. Their reluctance stems mainly from the necessity of holding them on Ebeye "slum of the Pacific" awaiting transportation to Honolulu, then on their return, waiting for a ship to Rongelap which could be up to three months. The last patient, Mrs. mother of ten children, refused to be transported to Honolulu for treatment. The school teacher, Mr. convinced her she would receive better treatment than previous patients because he had written a letter to this office. She made the trip and after her return she was sent by plane scheduled by this office to her home after only eight days on Ebeye. She explained to me that in addition to the crowded conditions, there was not ample food at Ebeye to take care of extra people. The previous group of two women, three girls, and an interpreter, Mr. after going to New York for surgery were returned to Ebeye. After we had notified the T. T. representatives to advance them funds for subsistance, they were only given $39.00 during their 18 days stay. Mr. paid $168.00 out of his savings for their food. We reimbursed him, but he could have claimed $6.50 per day each since that is the standard T. T. per diem for Ebeye. Dwight Heine's remarks indicate what might happen. Mr. He said "these people are tired of the endless examinations, treatment, traveling 15,000 miles for surgery and being away from home so 5052059 -3- t- PRIVACY ACT MATERIAL REMOV:.