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United StatesDepartmentof the Interior
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
Dr. William W.
Burr
Director
Office of Health and Environmental
AV
Research
Office of Environment
Mail Station E-201
Department of Energy
D.C. 20545
Washington,
Dear Dr.
re
614 1980.
PRIVACY ACT MATERIAL REMOVED
Burr:
At the August 6, 1980, meeting on Section 102 of P.L. 96-205
with representatives of the Government of the Marshall Islands
and representatives from the various affected atolls, the
Marshalls Government representatives stated that a medical
doctor recently visited Wotje Atoll to examine the people for
possible radiation induced illnesses or conditions.
For the record, the Marshall Islands Government delegation
presented us with a copy of a letter addressed to a lawyer,
Mr. Gordon Stemple of Beverly Hills, California, by Dr. Reuben
Merliss, M.D., also of Beverly Hills.
A copy of Dr. Merliss'
letter is enclosed for your information and review.
While we were informed at the August 6, 1980, meeting that
Dr. Merliss had examined the people of Wotje Atoll, his report is
very general in nature.
He does not mention "Wotje" but rather
speaks of "the Marshall Islands".
In one instance, he mentions
a boy with "leukemia".
This, we assume, must be a reference to
_. of Rongelap.
He also refers to patient hospital
records he examined at Majuro, but does not identify the individuals
by island.
At one point he mentions Utirik Atoll and problems
the Utirikese are experiencing with vision.
Many of his comments
appear to us to refer to the people of Rongelap Atoll since he
speaks of immediate effects of the fallout, i.e., hair loss and
burns of the skin.
I would greatly appreciate if you and your medical
consultants could provide comments on Dr. Merliss' report and
his conclusions.
ee 299
Enclosure
“
Sistant Secretary Designate
Territorial and International Affairs
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PRIVACYACT MATERIAL REMOVED
Sincerely,