BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES, HO1S4& INC... UPTON, LLL. Noy. 11973 MEDICAL DEPART MENT TELEPHONE: (516) 345- 3577 October 7th, 1976 Mr. Oscar deBrium District Administrator, Marshall Islands Majuro, Marshall Islands 96960 Dear Oscar: You may know that Dr. Knudsen on his quarterly visit to Utirik last month was asked to leave the islands before he could complete his mission. This is, no doubt, related to the letter sent by the Utirik people to Roger Ray outlining grievances, and I understand that they intend to sue ERDA through a lawyer and his wife in California (cousin of Glen Alacalay, the Peace Corps man on Utirik). Knudsen does not think Ataji Balos is involved, at least yet. The Rongelap people also have grievances which they will present in a letter to Dr. Liverman of ERDA. The situation does not, however, appear to be as critical at Rongelap as at Utirik, but they are quite worried about the Japanese news report predicting blood disease in them. In a recent meeting at ERDA headquarters with Dr. Kotrady, BNL and ERDA representatives, and John de Young and Janice Johnson from Interior, there were discussions about broadening our medical team's responsibilities at Utirik, Rongelap, Bikini and Eniwetok. Dr. Knudsen will tell you about this. We are wondering if it would not be worthwhile to have a meeting of ERDA, BNL, Interior, T.T., Marshallese Congressmen and, say, two representatives each from Utirik, Rongelap, Bikini, and possibly Eniwetok at Majuro, Ebeye or Honolulu for purposes of discussing issues at stake, attempt to clear up misunderstandings about the medical examinations and, hopefully, reach agreements which will permit us to carry out our responsibilities without interference. I believe the meeting with these Island representatives should be separate meetings, one with the Utirik group, one with the Rongelap group, and one with the Bikini-Eniwetok people, since different issues are invoived. We would like your advice about this. Dr. Knudsen has agreed to see you about this and fill you in on details. Should Knudsen see Ataji and perhaps Amata with you on this subject? He plans on coming down to Majuro next week. Your help will be appreciated. With best regards, Sincerely, Df peti Robert A. Conard, M.D. bwa INFORMATION OPERATOR {516} 345-2123 T0049 103