7. It 48 our understanding that a Coast Guard vessel suitable for the mission is available at Pearl Harbor, We have been informed that the Chief, Office of Naval Research, 1s preparing a letter to the Commendant, Coast Guard, requesting -use of this vessel, Arrangements have been made with Op 36 to obtain surface water samples during the first two weeks in February in the Far Eastern waters as outlined in Appendix D, These samples will be sent to the AEC Health and Safety Laboratory, New York, New York, for analysis and will make it possible for us to obtain valuable preliminary information as to distribution of radioactivity in these waters, 8, Tne Department of State has been informed of the above facts and concurs in the need to undertake these surveys as soon as is technically feasible, 9. Dr. John C, Bugher, Director of the Division of Biology and Medicine, has assigned to the AEC Health and Safety Laboratory the execution of the scientific mission on behalf of the Commission, They will assemble the equipment and personnel required for the survey. . Very truly yours, /8/ R. W. Cook, Deputy K, D, Nichols General Manager -3- Enclosure [I

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