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