AQLSa0 CU UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20545 tbrdwik— A / _ Nord ; re September 7, 1973 C. W. Edington, Associate Director for Research and Development Programs, DBER KARYOTYPE STUDIES OF MARSHALLESE POPULATIONS Your comments on the Eniwetok Radiological Survey Report outline raises the question of karyotype studies: The Bikineans and then some years later the Eniwetokese (Populations of hundreds in both cases) will be returning to their native atolls and experiencing a relatively abrupt and well-defined doubling of population radiation exposure rate. As you well know, a karyotype study of Marshallese populations would be logistically difficult, expensive and, perhaps, impossible for political reasons and lack of qualified personnel. I feel strongly, however, that we should have an evaluation of the potential scientific value of such a study and would urgethat Biomedical Programs staff undertake a serious study of this matter and provide you with recommendations regardingthe scientificmerits. — yt 77 Nathaniel F. Barr Assistant Director for Special Programs t om A. BR