Concern has been expressed that any agreement nego- tiated with the Marshallese be fair and equitable to both the peoples and their leadership. Of course, primary responsibility in this regard must rest with counsel for the peoples. Nevertheless, the United States Government should be sensitive to this concern. We believe that these negotiating positions provide a sound basis for settlement of all radiation-related claims through serious negotiation with the Marshallese. We have been in close consultation with Department of Energy and, althouch they have not completed their internal coordination process, we are authorized to state that there is ceneral agreement between Department of Energy and Department of Defense with respect to these negotiating positions. (cl a Richard J. Stone Office of Assistant General Counsel or International, Intelligence and Investigative Procrans, Derartment of Derense