past survey, some 300 unexposed people of Utirik and Rongelap were included
in a thyroid survey.
It was pointed out that there might be perhaps a
dozen people in the next two years in this group on whom thyroid surgery
would be indicated.
It would be desirable to have these patients taken
perhaps to Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu, using the same surgeon and
pathologist who have been involved in the program.
DBER agreed to give
this program further serious consideration.
Briefing at DOL
The DOI representative suggested that a briefing of Mr. A. Winkel
(new High Commissioner of the Trust Territory) and Mrs. Ruth Van Cleve
(new Director of Office of Territories at DOI) by some ERDA representatives
would be helpful, particularly prior to the UN meetings in New York.
One
of the topics to be discussed would be the problems associated with the
Congress of Micronesias PL-5~-52
Rongelap and Utirik people).
(concerning certain hospital benefits to
There is a disparity between the Congress
bill and the ERDA-TT agreement which would seem to indicate a possible
revision of the bill.
Congressman Balos has indicated that he felt that
such a revision would be required.
Ex gratia compensation bill for Rongelap and Utirik people
At the request of DOI, an updated summary of medical findings was
prepared.
It was pointed out that the lists of people with findings were
continuously being added to.
Only 23 of 65 exposed Rongelap people now
living are not listed as having thyroid abnormalities.
The DOI repre-
sentative remarked that the so-called Burton bill was an omnibus bill