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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
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Dear Dr. Burr:
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APR 11 1978