ATTACHMENT 2

                      VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
                       WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
                            DEC 2 1952



                                                   DNA1.94031.005

Herbert B. Loper, major General, USA
chief, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project
P.O. Box 2610
Washington, D. C.


Dear General Loper:

     This is in reply to your letter of 8 August 1952.

     The matter has bene given special consideration in an
attempt to arrive at reasonable and practical recommendations.

     There is a firm requirement for a policy such as the Armed
Forces now pursue in connection with exposures to isotope
laboratories, atomic tests, an in such situations as are similar
to those encountered in peace time where personnel of the Armed
Forces might possibly be exposed to ionizing radiations.  The
value of such records as were kept in the Manhattan Engineer
District and in the atomic tests have proved vital in the
evaluation of alleged service-connected disabilities by veterans. 
It is therefore noted with satisfaction that it is not intended
to change this policy ILLEGIBLE regards health protection of
personnel of the Armed Forces in such situations.

     The maintenance of detailed statistical records of
radiological exposures received by personnel serving within the
Armed Forces, whom it involves exposures received in any manner
other than that described in the preceding paragraph, admittedly
poses a heavy burden upon the various services.  On the other
hand, in evaluating the claims of the individual veteran who may
have been exposed, the value of such information may be of vital
significance.  Unless suitable records are available, it is
difficult to see how it will be possible to evaluate claims to
the best advantage of either the veteran or the Government.

     It is the present policy of the Administrator of Veterans
Affairs to urge that no change in present policies and practices
within the Armed Forces be made.  In recognition of the heavy
burden placed upon the Armed Forces, particularly in case of
enemy employment of weapons that may result in injury to
personnel as a result of ionizing radiation,

Herbert B. Loper, Major General, USA


it is proposed that a careful study of this matter be undertaken
within the coming year in order to arrive at a policy which will
be consistent with practical accomplishments.  In this study the
cooperation of the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project and the
Veterans Administration would be indicated and they should
consult with the Division of Medicine and Biology of the Atomic
Energy Commission, and of the Joint Panel on the Medical Aspects
of Atomic Warfare, Research and Development Board.

                              Sincerely yours,



                              CARL R. GRAY, Jr.
                              Administrator