ATTACHMENT 8

 


                                               September 16, 1958

Dr. Robert A. Conard
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Associated Universities, Inc.
Upton, L.I., N.Y.

Dear Bob:

     We have been back in Seattle less than a week and are still
in the process of getting reorganized and waiting for the arrival
of some of the samples and gear.

     The survey meter readings will be sent to you shortly. 
Essentially the levels are about the same as they were in March
1958.

     Sorry we weren't able to do better on the urine samples for
you.  For one thing, either you have not opened them yet or were
too much of a gentleman to mention the fact that no preservative
was added to the samples.  Jabweh assigned the numbers which
presumably are part of your system.  Twenty-four hours samples
were requested and this is what they claim to have given.

     It is good to her that you are establishing a radiochemistry
laboratory.  This should certainly prove more satisfactory than
farming out samples.

     Marshall Page, from the Eniwetok Branch of the AEC, and I
met Amta, the son of the King of the Marshalls and John Anjian at
Majuro.  Accordingly to Amta, the Rongelapese are dubious about
the necessity for continued medical examinations.  Most
particularly, they are apprehensive about being "stuck by
needles."  Amta asked our opinion as to the objectives and
necessity for continued medical examinations.  We explained that
we were not competent to evaluate medical problems and said as
little else as possible under the circumstances.  Amta and John
were assured that you are sincere in your efforts and that you
are the logical person to go to for a true evaluation of the
medical aspects.  It wa also pointed out that there have been
medical benefits not connected with radiation which have resulted
from the medical surveys.  Both Amta and John agreed that this
was true.  Amta said that he would write to you on behalf of the
Rongelapese explaining their doubts and requesting a
clarification of necessity from you.  Mr. William White,
assistant DISTAD, was also present at the time of this
conversation.

REPOSITORY     Washington National Records Center
COLLECTION     32681-6
BOX No.        Box 1
FOLDER
                                -2-

     There will be more to report later, of course, but I thought
you might want to know about this situation as soon as possible.

                              Sincerely yours,


                              Edward E. Held
                              Research Assistant Professor


EEH:mb
cc:  Dr. Allyn H. Seymour