It is the intention of the Executive Branch, however, to investigate any area of the Marshalls about which genuine questions are raised concerning radiation exposure; and accordingly Likiep, and other atolls or islands similarly in question, will be explored. If those explorations result in conclusions that the people of those areas ought also to be among the beneficiaries of the special medical program, a legislative proposal to expand the coverage of the law, as we herein propose to amend it, will be submitted to Congress. If a significant need were to arise prior to the enactment of such legislation, the Secretary of the Interior would have authority under his existing powers to provide medical care. Section 2 of the proposed bill would provide 6 months to the Secretary of the Interior for the submission of the plan required by section 106 (b)(1) of Public Law 95-134, as set forth in section 102 of Public Law 96-205. Finally, the proposed legislation would not disturb the unusual arrangement provided for in the existing law, by which the Secretary of the Interior is responsible for devising and implementing the special health care program, while the Secretary of Energy is responsible for providing funds for it. It is obvious that as a general rule, such a division of responsibility is inefficient and undesirable. The Executive Branch therefore, recommended, prior to the enactment of P.L. 96-205, that total authority for this program for the Marshalls be placed in the Secretary of Energy. Inasmuch as the Congress chose to proceed otherwise, we are not now seeking to disturb the arrangement. We understand that the rationale is that costs of the nuclear testing program should be reflected in the budget of the agency responsible for it, and not in the costs of civil administration of the Trust Territory. That is a reasonable rationale. The Office of Management and Budget has advised that this legislative proposal is in accord with the program of the President. Sincerely, SECRETARY Enc losure