ATTACHMENT 14

              

                                                    June 19, 1959
Files

Charles L. Dunham, M.D. Director
Division of Biology and Medicine

MEETING WITH HIGH COMMISSIONER NUCKER, MR. YEOMANS AND DR.
DEYOUNG ANTHROPOLOGIST IN YEOMAN'S OFFICE, INTERIOR DEPARTMENT

SYMBOL:   bm:cld

I was not unprepared for the approach taken by the High
Commissioner inasmuch as Dr. Conard had already indicated that
the Medical Survey Team was met with real resistance on the
arrival and that only gradually over a period of days did all of
the original Rongelapese group come around for the complete
examination.  Mr. Nucker also had some supporting documents by
Mr. Nease the Distad and by Mr. Morris full-time U.S.
agriculturist on the atoll to show that the arrival of the LST
and 20 odd scientists plus supporting personnel was not only a
disrupting influence but fostered the following feelings:

1.   If we aren't sick why do you come back each year?

2.   The U.S. Gov't. is very wealthy and could easily support us
in toto so why should we not let the copra crop rot, and why
should we fish?

Unfortunately the two years at Ejit on Majuro atoll were very
indolent ones.  The Trust Territory Authorities feel they must
run and show their way or cease to be responsible for the
situation.  Their problem is a very real one.

Mr. Nucker urged that we work through their Medical Service as
much as possible and forego all but absolutely necessary
examinations.  He believes that if given 2-3 years freedom from
large medical surveys the people will accept a normal life and
have no further interest in perpetuating the "dole."  Whether he
is right or not I cannot say, but I think the situation is
serious enough to warrant our grossly simplifying our studies.

The physical surveys are less of a problem but there seems to be
a tendency by the natives egged on by a few to interpret these
visits as well in a dim light -- to pump Dr. Held on
radioactivity and to misinterpret his comments re contamination. 
Mr. Nucker hoped once a year would be sufficient for the
University of Washington team.  I told Mr. Nucker I'd confer with
Dr. Wolfe re this point.

cc:  Dr. Shilling


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

OFFICE    Dr. Bruner, DIR B&M 
SURNAME   
DATE      6/18/59   
                    ORGANIZATION & MANAGEMENT

                              P/C Navy, Medical Follow-up
Form AEC-318 (Rev. 9-53)      
U.S. Government Printing Office 16--62761-8