Ci DP th [font AAAat aa “fF 2s tee 401123 SUMMARY SKEET ao Subject: ACTION REGARDING PAYMENT OF COSTS OF SPECIAL MEDICAL CARE FOR INHABITANTS OF RONGELAP AND UTIRIK ATOLLS Purpose: This paper provides the background for and recommendations ‘regarding an impending decision as to whether or not the AEC should assume costs of special transportation and medical care for Rongelap and Utirik people in the Marshall Islands, The ‘paper further relates this issue to an anticipated later request for compensation for personal and property damage to the Pacific Islands and their inhabitants. Discussion: The Micronesian Congress has passed a bill to improve year- round care of persons exposed to radioactive fallout on Rongelap and Utirik atolls in March 1954, to cheir offspring and to controls. The bill directs the High Commissioner of the Trust Territory to seek an executive agreement whereby expenses incurred under the act will be defrayed by the Atomic Energy Commission, Three alternatives, presented and discussed in section 9 and 10, are: a. b. c. Refuse to offer reimbursement on graounds that government rather than agency action is appropriate. Unconditionally agree to payment as requested in the bill. Propose provisional agreement under which costs will be shared with Department of Interior pending revision of dill in néxc session of Micronesian Congress and fully assumed by AEC subsequent to acceptable revision. Issue: Payment of medical costs as requested in Micronesian S.B. No. 89 Recommendation: That the Commission approve alternative c., negotation cf a provisional agreement to share costs with Department of Interior until certain provisions of bill are revised at a later date and assume all costs subsequent to acceptable revision of the bill. Coordination: In addition to the offices of the Controller and General Counsel, the following AEC Division concur: ‘a. b. Military Applications International Programs No further coordination appears warranted, Scheduling: To be filled in later 5008511. me soe ee]