“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 17