EEAEET \ AOLS1a Ate Setanta Me Rh eT eb teen Cocca Sreces Depacement of che Lnrertor OFFICE OF TIE SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240 Dr. William W. Burr Deputy Director Division of Biomedical and yt? Environmental Research pepartment of Energy Washington, D.C. BEST COPYAVAILABLE 20545 . Y am enclosing for your information a copy of a March 28, 1978, letter from High Commissioner Adrian P. Winkel dealing with matters which appear to have created problems in the administration of Section 104 of P.L. 95-124. As you know, this section deals with compensation to the 4nhabitants of Rongelap and Utirik Atolls for radiation exposure sustained by them as a result of thermonuclear detonation at Bikini Atoll on March 1, 1954. The Assistant Attorney General of the Trust Territory who has made a preliminary survey in the Marshall Islands on this matter has exoressed the opinion that due to difficulties found within the language of the act, payment cannot be properly administered until clarification is received or the act is amended. I am now having the comments analyzed. Although most will not involve your agencv, several problems dealing with the medical aspects have been raised. I think we should have a meeting soon to discuss the ramifications of the act and the recommendations of the High Commissioner. I understand that Mr. John E. deYoung of my Btaff will make arranqements for a conference at a later In the meanwhile, I would apnreciate your comments on date. the medical aspects touched on in the High Commissioner's Letter. Sincerely yours, EVE MRS. BUTH &. YAN CL Mrs. Ruth G. Van Cleve Director office of Territorial Affairs Bnclosure a 5018920 + ee a ae aar mt . tet 23 1 eh . , Me em cree . . Dear Dr. Burr: em ee Eye id thane, ae Starathe sania ht atl . (etenf aoa setaaat APR 11 1978