Letter to A.p. Winkel, Subject: Deferment of BNL Visit to Rongelap and Utirik

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Department of Energy The Honorable Adrian P. Winkel Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Saipan, Mariana Islands 96950 This is to inform you that the visit to Rongelap and Utirik which normally is scheduled in the January-February time frame by the staff of the Brookhaven National Laboratory Medical Department, in conjunction with physicians from hospitals and academic institutions around the United States , will, of necessity, have to be You may be aware that the Department of Energy, through Holmes and Narver, Inc., contracted with U.S. Oceanography for the use of the Liktanur II to be used in support of all of the Department’s activities in the Marshall Islands. Initially, the U.S. Coast Guard classified this vessel as an oceanographic research vessel based upon the purposes for which the vessel would be used. More recently, however, the Coast Guard has reexamined this situation and has reversed its earlier decision regarding the Liktanur II’s classification category. In the opinion of the Coast Guard, several of the activities which the Liktanur II supports, including the medical visits, do not come within the definition of an oceanographic research vessel. Consequently, we are precluded from using the vessel, at present, for other than marine studies. We are attempting to resolve this difficulty in which this situation places us. Legal counsel is exploring the possible approaches to the Coast Guard, and inquiries are being made regarding the availability and suitability of U.S. Navy vessels and other possible vessels available for charter. Furthermore, the Coast Guard may consider requests for the Liktanur II’s usage on a caseBecause of the Coast Guard decision and the uncertainties surrounding future use of the vessel, the Brookhaven Medical Department was compelled to inform the participating physicians that the

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trip to Rongelap end Utirik was in question, lt vhich time the physicians cosmnit~edthemselves to other professional responeibllittes. As aeon agwe can obtatn l firm commitment on the use of that vessel, or lny other vessel, for support of the medical visits, Brookhaven will lttempt to lssemble a team of physicians to participate in the visit. . It requires approximately a three to six month lead time, however, to acconmwdate the professional schedules of these physicians. Therefore, we regret to inform you that there till be some delay before another medical visit can be scheduled to Rongelap end Utirlk Atolls. We are making every effort to resolve this smtter lnd to minimise any delay. With belated best personal Government of the R. Van Cleve, DOI wisles and groetlngs for the New Year. Office of Health lnd