The Honorable Peter Coleman
18 October 1976
James L. Liverman.
Page Two
and several other radionuclides in some of the Bikini and Rongelap residents
is not considered to present a hazard. Low levels of these isotopes are
found in people all over the world, including New York City. The pathways
involved in the internal absorption of the isotopes are being investigated.
ERDA would continue to be responsible for treatment of radiation-
related diseases that develop in the exposed people of Rongelap and Utirik.
This includes specialized examination and treatment when necessary in
hospitals outside the Trust Territory. All other treatment of individuals
living on Rongelap, Utirik, Bikini and Eniwetok that cannot be accomplished
by the examining
medical team will continue to be the responsibility of the
Trust Territory.
We would like to propose a meeting in the near future, perhaps by early
December, at Majuro, Ebeye or possibly Honolulu with representatives of
Utirik, Rongelap, Bikini and Eniwetok (perhaps the magistrate and a Council
member from each atoll) and representatives of the Congress of Micronesia,
Brookhaven National Laboratory, ERDA, Department of Interior, and the Trust
Territory. We believe that such a meeting could result in agreements which
would allow the medical examinations to proceed unhampered. We would
appreciate hearing from you about these proposals at your earliest
convenience,
Sincerely,
James L. Liverman
cfh
cc:
Mr. F, Zeder,, Dept of Interior
Mr. O. DeBrum, Distad
Marshalls, T.T.
Dr. M. Kumangai, Director Health Serv., T.T.
Congressman Ataji Balos, Congress of Micronesia
Congressman Charles Domnick, Congress of Micronesia
Dr. R.A. Conard, Brookhaven National Laboratory