Japtan and Medren islands, should the six islands be planted with
coconut trees.
The assumptions inherent in those dose estimates were
identified in that letter.
As we pointed out in that letter, however,
the dose estimates do not account for those individuals who might, for
whatever purpose, engage in activities and practices which would lead
to greater exposures than those indicated.
Furthermore, we stated in that letter that the acceptability of
copra from those coconut trees at processing facilities or its
marketability in world commerce was not being addressed.
At present
there is no basis for encouraging the expectation that “science” will
find a way to reduce the uptake of radionuclides, particularly cesium
and strontium, by coconut trees.
While studies to modify this uptake
contirlue to be in progress, currently there is no
justification for
optimism on this matter.
An additional question is the administrative mechanism by means of which
decisions will be made in the years to come should the concentration of
radionuclides in the coconuts be unacceptable on the world market.
Based upon the experience at Bikini Island, and in view of Mr. Deal's
letter of September
29, 1978, to Admiral Monroe, the unacceptability
of these coconuts on the world market would appear to be a very real
possibility.
In view of the changing relationships in the Marshall
reside
Islands, it is not clear where responsibility aad authority may
should this matter need to be addressed in the future.
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: Foe en 7,A
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