Dr. John R. Totter -2- April 9, 1969 Situation. I was questioned at length on this subject by the people and I attempted to explain to them that the small amount of fallout that they had received had not produced any finding in any one that was related to fallout exposure. In contrast the Rongelap people had Significant findings particularly in regard to the thyroid. The compensation was based on fallout effects. However, it is difficult for them to understand and they continue to argue that since they had received a "little bit" of fallout they should receive a "Little bit" of money. I suppose we made a mistake in not giving the Utirik people a token payment and perhaps it is not too late to do something about it. Perhaps if we could give each exposed person $100(including the descendant of deceased); I believe this would quiet their dissatisfaction. These people are very poor and even a very small amount of money would look big to them. Though we have managed to maintain fairly good rapport with these people,such a token payment would probably greatly improve the relationship. The 157 Utirik people so recompensed would not be a large sum of money. Third topic - During the survey on Rongelap island, one of the exposed people, who owns one of the small northern islands, Naen, in the northern part of the atoll complains that he is not producing copra from that island because of fallout effects. I have visited this island, and in fact we have made a report on the vegetation, a copy of which is enclosed. It does appear that these islands are in very poor condition but not having seen them prior to the fallout it is difficult to know what they were like before. claims that he got about 25 bags of copra($75. worth?). I told him that I would mention this matter to the AEC. I would guess the Trust Territory should be consulted if anything is done. It is too bad that we never had a good botanical study of possible fallout effects on Rongelap atoll. Perhaps John Wolf might be able to initiate such a study. At one time Jim Brewbaker at the University of Hawaii was interested in a pollenstudy for detection of radiation effects. I hate to worry you with these items but felt that I should bring them up. If you need any further clarification, please let me know, With best regards. PRIVACY ACT MATERIAL REMOVED Robert A. Conard, M.D. RAC; jr cc: Mr. George Milner - Dept. of the Interior Mr. W. A. Bonnet - AEC, Honolulu _~ Dr. Sincerely, E. P. Cronkite