Jemeg3 L. Liverman “OCT 1975 ~3~ With specific regard to the Conard/Bikini situation, the immediate need that I soe is for a careful restatment of our proposed program. This should make clear the following pointss 1. From the standpoint of radiation exposure, ERDA sees no require- ment for medical examination ar medical monitoring of the returning Bikini people. 2. \le do recognize our responsibility for continuing environmental surveillance of Bikini Atoll in order to assure ourselves and the returning people that the measures, that have deen and are being taken to minimize their exposure to radiation, are effective. 3. Oo of the surest and most sensitive techniques of envirormental surveillance is blo-assay of the people living in that enviroment. Exactly becmise the materials we are concerned about are radio~ active, our sensitive instrumentation can detect them long before they have reached concentrations in the body which would be of significance to health, i. Blo-assay will normally include two procotures: count and urine sampling. a whole body Neither of these is a medical procedure end medical doctors need not be present to carry them out. In fact, there is no need for medical doctors to visit Bilcdini to carry out any ERDA responsibility or progran. 5. The results of the bio~assay will be considered along with our other surveillance efforts, which include sampling of soils, water, vegetation, small animals and merine life in evaluating the effectivity of preventive and protective measures. This information will of course increaso our overall knowledge of redilation in man’s environment, but the primary objective remains the health and safety of these specific returning populations, I suzgest that a statement incorporating the above thoughts be fornelly transmitted to the Department of the Interlor and tho ELcninistretion of the Trust Territory. I suggest also that it be trenslated end convoyed by visit to the people of Biidni and Kili. NV can accomplish the letter. The transmittal letter to DOT and TIPI should indicate that this statement describes what 1s contemplated et Inewetak also. It should be made clear that participation in the surveillance program by Bikini end Fnewetak people is entirely voluntary end is in no sense a condition for permission to return, Wheat is propesed in this memorendum 1s not a change in direction*‘or in 5052198