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401123
SUMMARY SKEET
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Subject:
ACTION REGARDING PAYMENT OF COSTS OF SPECIAL MEDICAL CARE FOR
INHABITANTS OF RONGELAP AND UTIRIK ATOLLS
Purpose:
This paper provides the background for and recommendations
‘regarding an impending decision as to whether or not the AEC
should assume costs of special transportation and medical care
for Rongelap and Utirik people in the Marshall Islands,
The
‘paper further relates this issue to an anticipated later
request for compensation for personal and property damage to
the Pacific Islands and their inhabitants.
Discussion:
The Micronesian Congress has passed a bill to improve year-
round care of persons exposed to radioactive fallout on
Rongelap and Utirik atolls in March 1954, to cheir offspring
and to controls. The bill directs the High Commissioner of
the Trust Territory to seek an executive agreement whereby
expenses incurred under the act will be defrayed by the
Atomic Energy Commission,
Three alternatives, presented and
discussed in section 9 and 10, are:
a.
b.
c.
Refuse to offer
reimbursement on graounds that government
rather than agency action is appropriate.
Unconditionally agree to payment as requested in the bill.
Propose provisional agreement under which costs will be shared
with Department of Interior pending revision of dill in néxc
session of Micronesian Congress and fully assumed by AEC
subsequent to acceptable revision.
Issue:
Payment of medical costs as requested in Micronesian S.B. No. 89
Recommendation:
That the Commission approve alternative c.,
negotation cf a
provisional agreement to share costs with Department of Interior
until certain provisions of bill are revised at a later date and
assume all costs subsequent to acceptable revision of the bill.
Coordination:
In addition to the offices of the Controller and General Counsel,
the following AEC Division concur:
‘a.
b.
Military Applications
International Programs
No further coordination appears warranted,
Scheduling:
To be filled in later
5008511.
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