The Honorable Wallace O. Page 3 Green than the intervention of a causation factor such as the radioactive contamination associated with the atomic testing. This is the problem which was addressed by P.L. 96-205, and has not been addressed adequately by the studies of any of the three groups. Another area of concern to our clients is the question of who will monitor, educate and care for the people of the Marshall Islands. They are understandably less than pleased with the system as it has been devised so far. The present reports have only added fuel to their fear that the United States may be prepared to continue to ignore the problems caused by the test- ing, continue to fail to properly monitor all of the atolls to determine the results of that testing, and continue to fail to provide proper health care to the victims of that testing. fears are not historically without support, Such in the August, 1980, report on health affects of low level radiation sustained as a result of the nuclear weapons testing program conducted by the United States government within the United States, a report prepared by the Committee on International and Foreign Commerce, the conclusion reached there notes the less than honest handling of health effects information by the A.E.C. The report also suggests that "Similar problems can best be avoided in the future if the responsibility for protecting the people is given to an agency whose main mission is to assure public health, not to advance nuclear development." We likewise feel that the responsibility for the monitoring, education and health care plans in the Marshalls should not be given to the Departments of Energy and/or Defense. We believe that they have a conflict of interest. If any plan is to work in the Marshall Islands, it should have the support not only of the United States govern- ment, but also of the Government of the Marshall Islands and of the people of the Marshall Islands. Only if the government and people of the Marshall Islands participate willingly in a plan which they enthusiastically support can any plan hope to begin to undo the terribly wrongful devastation that was wreaked upon these islands and peoples by our atomic testing program. In summation, we believe that all three reports which were submitted pursuant to the request for proposal are totally inadequate to carry out the intent of Congress. If they are to be used at all, the monitoring and education reports must be expanded to include all other affected atolls and peoples. If the health care plan is to be used at all, it must be totally Those proposing such a plan must recognize the results revised. of the testing upon the health of the persons affected and of Special programs must be provided for them, their offspring. while at the same time taking care of other health problems caused by societal dislocations, dietary changes and other indirect affects.