“James L. Liverman
-3-
.
With specific regard to the Conard/Bikini situation, the immediate
need that I see is for a careful restatment of our proposed program.
This should make clear the following points:
1.
From the standpoint of radiation exposure, ERDA sees no requirement for medical examination or medical monitoring of the
returning Bikini people.
2.
We do recognize our responsibility for continuing environmental
surveillance of Bikini Atoll in order to assure ourselves and
the returning people that the measures, that have been and are
being taken to minimize their exposure to radiation, are effective.
3.
One of the surest and most sensitive techniques of environmental
surveillance is c1o-assay of the people living in that environment.
Exactly
because the materials we are concerned about are radio-~
active, our sensitive instrumentation can detect them long before
they have reached concentrations in the body which would be of
significance to health.
4.
5.
Bio-assay will normally include two procedures:
a whole body
count and urine sampling. Neither of these is a medical procedure
and medical doctcrs need not be present to carry them out. In
Co
fact, there is no need for medical doctors to visit Bikini to
_S
carry out any ERDA responsibility or program.
The results of the bio-assay will be considered along with our
other surveillance efforts, which include sampling of soils,
water, vegetation, small animals and marine life in evaluating
the effectivity of preventive and protective measures.
This
information will of course increase our overall knowledge of
radiation in man's environment, but the primary objective remains
the health and safety of these specific returning populations.
7
mS
I suggest that a statement: incorporating the above thoughts be
formally transmitted to the Department of the L.verior and the
Administration of the Trust Territory. I suggest also that it be
translated and conveyed by visit to the people of Bikini and Kili.
NV can accomplish the latter. The transmittal letter to DOI and
TIPI should indicate that this statement describes what is contemplated
at Fnewetak also. It should be made clear that participation in the
surveillance program by Bikini and Enewetak people is entirely voluntary
and is in no sense a condition for permission to return.
What is
proposed in this memorandum is not a change in direction or in
DOE ARCHIVES
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