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OCT 2211976ia
BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY
ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES,
INC., UPTON. L.L. N.
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18 October 1976
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SENT COPY TO:
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Dr.
James L.
Liverman
Assistant Administrator for Environment and Safety
Energy Research and Development Administration
Washington, D. C. 20545
OTHER
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Dear Jin,
As you know the situation in the Marshall Islands concerning our medical
examinations has grown steadily worse and it is becoming increasingly difficult
The purpose of this letter is to suggest a specific
to continue the surveys.
course of action, to clarify the situation and to reach an understanding with
regard to future surveys.
You have received the Utirik letter of complaints and on his quarterly
island trip last month Dr. Knudsen was asked to leave Utirik., It appears a
suit against ERDA is being instigated by the people of that atoll, which
apparently is being organized by the Peace Corps representative there.
The
situation is not as acute at Rongelap, but these people also have complaints
which are being transmitted in a letter to you. And of course there is concern
among the Bikini people about the plutonium finding. Many of the complaints
were discussed at the recent meeting (Sept. 23, 1976) at ERDA which resulted
in agreement that there should be increased medical care in these atolls,
I have discussed the
including the people returning to Bikini and Eniwetok.
situation with Vic Bond, Gene Cronkite and Knud Knudsen and we believe that in
order for our examinations to procede without interference, a meeting with
Marshallese representatives of these atolls and their Congressmen, outlining
the extended medical program and airing all complaints, might greatly improve
the situation.
Enclosed is a rough draft of a letter suggesting a course of action
which is recommended with respect to the Marshallese studies. Though, for
protocol purposes, the letter is addressed to Mr. Peter Coleman, High
Commissioner of the Trust Territory, it is likely that Mr. Oscar DeBrum,
District Administrator of the Marshall Islands, will be responsible for
organizing the proposed meeting. We would suggest that Congressman Ataji
Balos and Charles Domnick receive copies with covering letters and suggested
covering letters are enclosed. These two Congressmen represent Rongelap and
Utirik people and could be influential in helping if they are not already
involved in legal complications. The covering letter to Balos also includes
a suggested answer to a letter written to me and referred to you concerning
inherited genetic defects and also a statement about the unfortunate effect
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