-~-5- At this time it is impossible to predict whether more thyroid nodules will develop in the Utinik population. lt is therefore of the greatest importance that the regular medical examinations be continued in the future. by having regular medical examinations, signs of thyroid disease can be detected early, and prompt treatment will avoid unnecessary suffering on the part of the Utivik peoola, The medical team has been studying diabetes in the Utirik people and other Marshallese people. Though a study of this disease was not considered a responsibility of the medical team since the disease is not related to radiation exposure, it was considered important to help the Trust Territory with this disease which is such a serious problem in the Marshall Islands. With regard to the use of Diabenase in the treatment of this disease Dr. James Field, an expert on diabetes from the University of Pittsburgh who had been studying diabetes in the Marshall Islands with the medical team, states that "there would be inherent xisks in the use of the drug Diabenase in treating diabetes on Utirik or other outer islands in the Marshalls since long term medical supervision and laboratory tests are necessary to insure its safe and effective use." With regard to your comment about the reduced size of arrowroot plants on Utirik, we can state that the results of studies of radiation effects on plants would not support radiation exposure as being responsible for a reduction in size of arrowroot or of any other plants growing on Utirik Atoll. Numerous studies of radiation on Utirik show the levels have been too low to result in such effects. We believe Drs. Conard, Kotrady, and Knudsen to be very capable and conscientious physicians who are deeply committed to the health and welfare —— 9009bb5