. ~ NR TEN Set Sr at— tea Eaneg sty pa fohee 5Zeateeae le ee an aten : =. er me a ee es See ee eed eeCece weineree wanton. tm eas Monet RMA wee Ste en tasteSa erHN acct Pe, wn o tel wedhonts san eae e onans eoaeemebabteien caer Peat EN+eiaeai: vested “oh ++ -?2We are sorry that there have been conflicting reports about the future health of the exposed people of Rongelap. Specifically, I strongly disagree with the Japanese newspaper report that it is necessary to leave Rongelap because of the radiation levels on the atoll. There have been many tests of soil, plants, water on the island, and measurements of urine and radiation in the people living on Rongelap. These tests show that the-levels are low and they are getting less and less. I share the opinion of the Brookhaven doctors that the little bit of radiation left on the island would not be expected to cause any health effects. I hope to be able to make arrangements for several scientists, not from the U.S., to visit Rongelap in the near future and discuss with you their findings. We are pleased about the remarks made in your letter about the Brookhaven medical team. I have a great deal of confidence in Drs. Conard and Knudsen and the other fine doctors that have taken part in the medical program. I am sure they always had your welfare at heart. I am convinced that the medical examinations of the Rongelap people have been very thorough and complete with many tests on the people and on their blood, urine, etc. Some of the most skillful doctors in the U.S. and from other countries have taken part in these examinations. They have used the best equipment possible that can be taken to the island. You can be sure that the examination program Currently, arrangements are being discussed to permit all. the people living on Rongelap, including children, to have an examination at least once a year by the Brookhaven doctors. I am also discussing plans with the Trust Territory to provide further education for the on ensures early diagnosis and treatment of alldisease. "Health Aides in the diagnesis and treatment of. radiation effects. I realize that at the time of the annual’ examinations, there is sufficient disruption of, life and that the team should provide ‘additional food.” IL am,’ therefore, recommending that:a sufficient amount of food be. furnished by the team during . the. », Pexiod of the examination. : Members of my . staff and I have had several discussions with Dr. Conard” Fegardang.the.pas t and future medicalcure of the wenger people. at fe we ‘medical-‘care can only be. provided if ‘the doctors can“spend enough | time with. the people of ‘Rongelap” to ‘talk to them and ‘answer ‘their! eT questions. I ain, therefore, asking Dr. Conard‘ and the other doctors to make arrangements to stay on at Rongelap for as long as necessary to-make sure that all people get a chance to talk to them. ' se tat » . . OE . eh al. Fae ate Ne SE nag ath ey es ae * aa : ewe be ,heat :: rein, . ‘. whee TP . . ge bawe " ‘ atte anare Ol pa bohe tote Lp oF aig ep STUN NEpehme be . : LR Mag ee