requested an update on this issue. By telephone the Department of Interior (DOL) requested an estimate of the potential radiation exposure contribution to Enewetak people assuming that they live on Japtan, Medren and Enewetak islands, and that they visit the six northeastern islands solely to tend coconut trees and harvest copra, particularly under the assumptions of time and ingestion given in the LLL dose assessment. It was pointed out to DOI that there also was the question of the marketability of the copra, but they were interested primarily in the potential exposure to people under the stated conditions. A copy of the response to them has already been sent to you (Enclosure A). Based upon this information DOI decided to approve the planting of coconut trees on the six northeastern islands. This matter subsequently has been discussed with the Office of Territorial Affairs and with the Soliciter General of DOI. Their position is that a) the potential exposures are within both FRC guidance and AEC recommendations, b) to plant the islands is in keeping with the master plan, and c) they have 6-8 years to consider the issue of marketability - if in fact they are contaminated. On several occasions I have told DOI that a) at present we have no basis on which to offer any hope that "science” will find a way to reduce or eliminate the uptake of radionuclides, especially of Cs and Sr, in coconuts, b) work is continuing im an effort to identify the location of radionuclides in the coconut, and c) once the Trust Territory Agreement ends, who will be responsible for decisions? (For example, if in 3-5 years it becomes apparent that the copra is not marketable, who will decide what, if anything should be done, e.g., to destroy the crop? Will this be the responsibility of the Marshall Islands Government, the Enewetak Council, Mr. Mitchell, or who? This is of particular importance since there will be no Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, no High Commission and no Department of Interior presence.) DOI's informal response was that even if the coconuts are not saleable, they will only rot on the islands and the people are no worse off then if they never were planted. On this and other matters DOI recently sent us a draft letter to Congressman Yates for comment. A copy of their draft and our comments are enclosed. (Enclosures B and C). ined Last week DOI also wrote us on another matter (to be discussed below), and it is our intention to address the coconut issue again in our reply to this letter. ~— el ote SY ops emér Poa tDaag yg Sete ey CNT a = twa ttt. ee “ ry woe ote a ay . . ee an . ey gO