The Honorable Edward E,. Johnston ° -2- August 26, 1969 at regulag intervals are necessary not only to follow the course of thyroid abnormalities but to detect other effects should they develop. I have been most grateful for the splendid support of personnel of the Trust Territory and the Department of Interior in carrying out these surveys. Doctors William Peck, Al Hicking, John Iaman, Isaac Lanwi, and Dwight Heine, former DISTAD of the Marshalls will be glad I am sure to fill you in on any other further details about the survey. In the past year or so one and possibly more influential Marshallese have accused us of using the Marshallese people as "guinea pigs''. These accusations are of course untrue and it is beyond my comprehension how these people could misconstrue the importance of these examinations which are of such benefit to the Rongelap people. At one time, some years ago, the Rongelap people were skeptical about the need for the exams but in recent years they have been much more understanding and most cooperative and friendly, welcoming us cordially to the island each year. I would like to also bring up the subject of the added responsibility assigned us in regard to checking the Bikini people on their return. As a member of the Ad Hoc Committee recommending their return I would like to point out that the intent of these examinations was purely precautionary (along with other measures). We frankly do not expect any significant level of internal radiation to accumulate in these people, and the examinations were felt necessary merely to serve as a check. When I visited Kili last year I tried to explain to the Bikini people (perhaps unsuccessfully) several points in regard to the examinations: First, that Bikini was entirely safe for their return, and secondly, that the purpose of the examinations was just to serve as a safety check; that they would not be subjected to medical examinations, only collection of urine samples and the examinations would consist only of lying under a radiation detection device for a period of about 15 minutes; that no blood test or usual medical examinations would be done. If, as Mr. William Bonnet, AEC representative in Honolulu, pointed out to me, the Bikini people bbe lds were unreasonable in their rental demands, I suggested to him that we delay this problem since I understand it may be several years before any substantial numbers of Bikini people are living on the island. We might even consider using the dispensary or setting up a tent for the examinations since only two or three days are required every year or so to carry them out. Your continued cooperation in carrying out these surveys will be greatly appreciated. I hope that I will have an opportunity before the survey in March to visit Saipan and discuss the surveys with you. Respectfully, cc: Mrs. E.P. Farrington Dr. John Totter Dr. William Peck Mr. William Bonnet “ Dr. V.P. Bond Dr. E.P. Cronkite : Robert A. Conard, M.D.