d.

With varying amounts of time spent on Bikini.

5.
The Bikinians and their legal counsel do not seem to
challenge the applicability of U.S. exposure limits to their

Situation (although Mr. Mitchell does).

6.

The Bikinians, should they decide to return to Eneu

regardless of circumstances, might be willing to sign statements releasing the U.S. from liability for future related

health consequences. The value of such a release is unknown.
(Mr. Mitchell takes the position that should people return to
Enjebi, the U.S. must share in that increased risk by accepting
continued liability for any radiological consequences).
7.

LULL would very much like to hire a Marshallese to tend the

garden plot on Eneu.

Roger Ray wrote to the Marshall Islands

Government re this, with a copy to DOI and, subsequently, to

DOE. DOI asked DOE if we concurred in this request (which we
had not) and expressed concern that the Bikini people would

interpret this as discrimination (i.e., if "he" can live there,
why can't we?).
Discussions are continuing and the issue is not
yet resolved.

Iv.

The Burton Bill

1. On October 10 the Senate held hearings on the Burton Bill.
While Mr. Mitchell and DOI were invited to testify, DOE was
not asked for comments.

Their formal statements are enclosed,

including both DOE testimony and written reply (Enclosures J,

K, and L).

2. Prior to the hearing, OMB was concerned about these items:
that the open-ended health care plan be modified to periodic
examination for radiation related effects and treatment if
necessary, and that DOE responsibilities be funded directly
rather than through DOI. These concerns are reflected in
DOI's statement.
3, The presiding Senator, Matsunaga of Hawaii, apparently
offered two opinions: that since DOI is the lead agency
covering a broad scope of programs in the Pacific, funding
and responsibility should be located in DOI rather than
fragmented among departments, and that a comprehensive
program plan would seem desirable. No requests were made
or directives given, however.

4,

The bill currently is under study with the Senate

subcommittee.

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