-9-
episode the following morning, I asked for a conference with Mr. Brown and
Mr. Otterman and asked for some explanation.
Mr. Brown stated that "the hoy
was lying" and appeared upset because I was queslioning him about this matter.
He stated that he had checked with
the magistrate and that "there was no problem."
I then checked with the magistrate and he said "to forget it, no harm was done."
I askel to see the boy and his father to apologize but the magistrate indicated
that this wasn't necessary - thit the boy was his nephew, and that he had taken
care of the problem.
Auother serious problem involving adiministration/ .-blic relations that
developed on Rongelap involved the distribution of candy ashore by Mr. Otter.rain.
three of the most serious com lilions encountered in the Marshallese are maturity
onset diabetes,
severe dental caries and exoyenous ohasity.
The modicel gromw
had discussed these problems at sone length and in our preplanning had deciited
that we would restrict, as fa:
form of candy to the people.
as possible, the delivery of free sugars in the
This decision
was the foundation of our initial
nutritional educational program and was an integral part of the medical care of
this su:vey.
I think it was on the second day of our visit to Rongelap that I
noticed Mr. Otterman standing on the heach surrounded by children passing out
something from a bag.
I left the screening process aboard ship and went ashore
and found that Mr. Otterman was passing out candy and chewing gum to the children.
I asked him if he would disconlinue the gifts until Mr. Brown and I had a chance
to discuss the matter.
him of the problan.
Shortly thereafter, I located Mr. Brown ashore and informed
At this point he became visibly agitated and he requested
that I put my request "in writing."
I returned to the ship and did so.
Shortly
thereafter, Mr. Ottermin, Mr. Brown and 1 had a discussion involving the type of
foodstuffs that were to be presented as gifts to the islanders.
th
esi
It would appear, superfie
why, thal this is an insiqnificant problem,