on He then reported on the situation with regard to the contamination of tuna fish and said that during his stay in Japan he had not personally examined any contaminated fish but that it appeared certain that some contamination had occurred, He observed that the Japanese anxiety about the possible consequences of contamination had been caused in part, at least, by the prospect of the cancellation of otders placed by American firms, In the course of discussion on these matters, Mr. Smyth asked fo be provided with a report on fall-out on ships in the Pacific area, Dr. Bugher then referred to a suggestion which had been received from the State Department that the AEC provide a representative to accompany a Japanese scientific expedition to the areas surrounding the proving grounds. (See minutes of Meeting 982.) He said that especially since the expedition was to be accompanied by a number of newspaper reporters, and since it appeared Mkely that extensive publicity would be given to any developments unfavorable to the U, 5, which might occur, he believed that the position of a representative would be extremely awkward and therefore recommended that none be sent, As an alternative he proposed that AEC representatives meet with the members of the expedition at Wake Island or at some other convenient place to hold unclassified discussions of matters of interest to them. The General Manager indicated that this was also his position on the matier, Mr. Murray said that since the State Department apparently believed that AEC representation was desirable and since that agency was presumably.in a better position to evaluate some aspects of such a question than the AEC, it appeared to him that a representative should be dispatched, Mr, Zuckert said that it appeared to him also that effective representation might be most desirable, both in demonstrating that the U. S, is willing to offer assistance in any reasonable project of this kind and in serving to set in their true light any unfounded allegaticawhich might be made as a result of the expedition, Mr. Smyth indicated that he too was of the opinion that the AEC ought not to decline to participate in any valid attempt to explore questions of this kind, Mr, Campbell said that he agreed that U. S. representation with the expedition would be appropriate since the State Department had requeste* it, but that he would prefer that some person who was not an employee cf the AEC or of an AEC contractor be sent. . - 168 - feo Jack4 Bo OFF