AS37203 OUTLINE FOR DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION AND THE TRUST TERRITORY OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS REGARDING MEDICAL CARE OF THE RONGELAP AND UTIRIK PEOPLE The United States Energy Research and Development Acministration (ERDA), formerly AEC, has for more than 20 years conducted a program of medical surveillance of the people of Rengelap and Utirik that were exposed to fallout from a weapons test in 1954. In the course of this activity, and with the knowledge and consent of the Trust Territory of the Pacific (TTPI), the ERDA medical teams have provided limited medical care for all of the people of Rongelap and Utirik. The ERDA intends to continue this program provided this can be achieved with the consent of the TTPL and the people of Utirik and Rongelap. The people of Utirik and Rongelap, independently» have recently indicated a desire for changes in the type of medical care under the ERDA program. Specifically, they have requested that ERDA expands and improves medical care of all the people on their islands. It is recognized by the U.S. (ERDA) that general medical care of the people of the Marshall islands is a responsibility of the Administration of the TTPI. At the same time, it appears that the request for extended medical care under the ERDA program stems from a change in the perception on the part of the people of Utirik and Rongelap of the manner and extent to which past ERPA activities have affected their lives psychologically, socially, “and economically.’ It appears, therefore, to be in the interest of beth the TTPI and the U.S. CERDA) to explore ways in which these perceived needs can best be met by both parties within trame-’ work: of their respective responsibilities. . , ...:For. the purposeof ‘the discussion ‘between the TPL and the u. S. (ERDA) “- it-is’ proposed: that: the U.S. (ERDGA)~ is prepared to assist the T?PL - in the discharge of its health care responsibilities to ‘the people - 4yo :: ot . eet .. . vo : a . ar - ms at Pr “o , .. 2 7 . oe . aottoe . 4 . . Se anemate * ot ”. .Te 4 . ert ot tae reposirony DOF. -FORRES TR. couection (NIAKKE YW FICES BOX Ne. io} 2224 * 2. 5 G A,6 MARSWRHLESE 1SernwDs FOLDER FZ Nov 1976 - oct 271477 F