ae Tart af eeeABD inet as.awe pee ns ie, So 401126 UNITED STATES ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTOW, 0.C. 20545 To. the People of Rongelap I wish to thank you for your letter of October 1, 1976, bringing to my attention your views on the medical care of those of you that were exposed to the radiation from the fallout. I have carefully considered your views and appreciate the opportunity to answer your questions. First, I would like to comment with regard to travel of Marshallese patients to the United States. Since only very few Americans know your language, it is indeed necessary to accompany patients that come to the U.S. for treatment by Marshallese attendants. Unfortunately, on about two occasions, this did not occur for various reasons. I have been assured, however, that every effort will be made in the future to have all patients accompanied by English-speaking Marshallese attendants. Also when traveling outside the Trust Territory, they will be provided with adequate traveling funds. In addition, I will urge the Trust Territory officials to arrange necessary papers such as passports well in advance. . d Whenever the Brookhaven doctors are at Rongelap, they give anyone with sickness the best treatment available under the circumstances. As in the past, any disease in an exposed person that appears to be caused. by’ radiation exposure will be’ taken to the U.S. for, treatment if necessary. In the.case that adequate ‘facilities. are available locally, patients that require hospitalization will be treated in the Trust Territory hospitals. Dr. Knudsen, will assist in the treatinent. of the patients at these hospitals. ‘Medicines needed for .treatment’at Rongelap that are not available from the ‘Trust . Territory Department of Health Services will, if possible, be mr provided --by ERDA doctors. 5008591 °°: Plate, a Le