To the People of Rongelap.

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I wish t o thank you for your letter of October 1, 1976, bringing t o my attention your views on the medical care of those of you that were exposed to the radiation from the fallout.I have carefully considered your views and appreciate the opportunity t o answer your questions. First, I would like to comment with regard to travel of Marshallese patients to the United States. Since only very few Americans know your language, it i s indeed necessary to accompany patients that come t o thE U.S. for treatment by Marshallese attendants.Unfortunately, on about two occasions,this did not occ cr for various reasons. I have been assured, however, that every effort will be made in the future to have all patients accompanied by English-speaking Marshallese attendants. when traveling outside the Trust Territory,they will be provided with adequate traveling funds. In addition,I will urge the Trust Territory officials to arrange necessary papers such as .passports well in advance. Whenever the Broolchaven doctors are a t Rongelap, they give anyone with sickness the best treatment available under the circumstances. As in the past, any disease in an exposed person that appears to be locally,patients that require hospitalization will be treated in for.treatment ' a t Rongelap. that are not available from the.Trust. Territory Departmcnt of Health Services will, ii possible,be

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We are sorry that there have been conflicting reports about the future health of the exposed people of Rongelap. Specifically, I strongly disagree with the Japanese newspaper report that it is necessary to leave Rongelap because of the radiation levels on the atoll. There have been many tests of soil,plants,water on the island, and measurements of urine and radiation in the people living on Rongelap. These tests show that the levels are low and they are getting less and less. Is hare the opinion of the Brookhaven doctors that the little bit of radiation left on the island would notbe expected to cause any health effects. make asrangements for several scientists,not from theU.S.,to visit Rongelap in the near future and discuss with you their findings. I hope to be able to We are pleased about the remarks made i n your letter about the Brookhaven medical team. I have a great deal of confidence i n Drs. Conard and Knudsen and the other fine doctors that have taken part in the medical program. I am convinced that the medical examinations of the Rongelap people have been very thorough and complete with many tests on the people and on their blood, urine,etc. Some of the most skillful doctors inthe U.S. and from other countries have taken part in these . examinations. They have used the best equipment possible that can b e taken to the island. You can be sure that the examination program I ani sure they always had your welfare Currently, arrangements are being discussed to permit &l+ the people living on Rongelap ,including children,to have a n examisation a t least once ayear by the Brookhaven doctors.I am also discussing plans with the Trust Territory to provide further education for the I realize that at the time of the annual ' e sami nations ; there lis t o make arrangcmcnts to stay on a t Rongelap foras long as necessary to,make sure that all people geta chance to talk to them.I .

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I had hoped to discuss these matters with you atthe meeting on Rungelap. Unfortunately,Iam unable to attend,but have asked Dr. William Burr to represent me a t tbe meeting and read this letter to you. people of Rcngelap. I would like to extend my best wishes to all the James L. Liverman, Director Division of Biomedical and