tire Wallace O. July 18, 1980 Green Page Four when we ere deeling with so many unknowns about the affects of a new techmology over the course of time. fnd I might add, thet despite the solace an alternative point of view of Mnjebdi dose assessments will have for us and the concerned United States agencies, such an independent assessment will go a long way to reassure the Mewetak people themselves ebout the risks involved ir the proposed return. _ it should be pointed out that the Mjebi veople will be living in & contaminated environment, anc their concerns anc possible anxitites about the long-term effects of low-level radiation effects will not eutometiceally cease uvor their return. It was ny exnerience on Utirik tnet the people spent much time discussing the residusl radiation on their contaminated atoll, end although I mst adnit thet sany of their “theories” about possible radiation effects seemed neive and inappropriate to me eat the time, the real point was that they honestly believed their intuitions and “theories” about radiation effects. I have enclosed a copy or ny 1977 Congressional testimony which details sone of these eliefs. I think the very least that we can presently do to reassure the smjebi people is to commission an independent survey with scientists having no connection with ex arency of the United Stetes Goverment. “iso, I should mentior that meny people in the Marshall Islands heave heard about “Physicians for Social Responsibility" anc their eminent President, Dr. Helen Caldicott. It is wy inpression that having Dr. Caldicott and her organization attached to en independent survey and essessnent of the Marshalls will help to restore soze of our lost credibility with these people who have e long history of “losing” with the United States Government. 7 In closing, I would like to point out that in my 1979 address before the United Nations Trusteeship Council, where I represented the International League for Human Rights, I specifically requested that an independent survey be conducted in the Marshall Islands. In their recommendations to the Administering Authority, the Trusteeship Council egreed with my request and also recommended an independent survey in the Marshalls. AS we reach the termination of the Trusteeshiv Acreement, it seems that our legacy in Micronesia has been somewhet uneven and inconsistent. The trust of -the United Stetes Government by the people of Micronesia under the Trusteeship has become tenuous at best, end I think an independent survey in the Marshall Islands is lone overdue if we are to meintain anyMegree of credibility, both with the Micronesians and with the international community at large.