. * SPTIGAAL Pond peo. to sc ea Preun (a Com) with — ) ne UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT ; . ; ‘ x Memorandum TO =: John R. Totter, Director Division of Biology and Medicige Fe wn pe ne SpE ORE YP FROM = Martin B, Biles, Director SUBJECT: . pate: FEB 15 1968 Ld ith. Mik Division .ef Operational Safe a CONFIRMED A BE UNCLASSIFIED DOE/SA-20 AUTHORITY: . DELIBERATIONS ON RESETTLEMENT OF BIKINI ATOLL BY , DATE: OS: NEES : TEM DATES Fr pemseor, Staff of the Division of Operational Safety (0S) earlier agreed to as- sist in obtaining a decision on the question of resettlement of Bikini Atoll. The logical next step would appear to be a briefing on progress to date and a concentrated effort to bring about recommendations that can be used to prepare a reply to Secretary Udall's request. The attached draft memorandum and tentative agenda are a first effort at planning a series of meetings over a period of several days to bring together the experts who can assist in defining the radiological situation in Bikini Atoll as determined by past surveys. A further aim is to put this situation into perspective for the attendees through comparisons with conditions of resettlement of Rongelap, natural background radia- tion exposures, exposures from past atmospheric testing, and established guides, Another important consideration regarding perspective is input from the Trust Territory anthropologist and agriculturist. In our opinion, these two individuals, because of their unique background and experience, should participate in the briefing and attend the deliberative phases of the meeting. It is obvious that through this approach we are suggesting a considerable yn aaonee CentERPm cooperative effort by a number of individuals in a short time period. Nevertheless, we believe this to be a more desirable procedure for developing an AEC position than prolonged deliberations. Should the Department of Interior choose to submit this question to a wider cross section of scientific opiniofi, they could do so. We have kept the Federal Radiation Council (FRC) staff informed of our activities, and they have been alerted to the possibility that AEC or the Department of Interior may require their assistance. Although the job that remains to be done has been discussed with some who have a major role as shown by the draft agénda, these contacts have been incomplete and informal, and an agreement for the cooperation and 18eSheenaoranges,A Te SI wn ener + assistance of each has not yet been obtained. As a first estimate, we would propose that exposure estimates similar to those developed for FRC Report No. 4 vy OS and EM staff be prepared for the Bikini situation 3726| 3108] POZ Bay U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly onthe Payroll Savings Plan