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April 20, 1962 Dear Mr. Secretary: In connection with the salinity problem in the delivery of Colorado River water to Mexico, the Mexican Commissioner on the International Boundary and Water Commission has learned of a possibility of excess releases this year from Lake Mead because of heavy snowfalls. He has inquired concerning the prospects for delivering to Mexico an additional quantity of surplus water over the guaranteed allotment, pointing out that if this should be possible, the Government of Mexico would like to know in April so that the extra quantity could be used advantageously in planning for the summer cotton crop. He said that if notice of extra releases was received after April, the notice would be too late to be of real benefit, and the situation might be embarrassing to all concerned. United States Commissioner Friedkin has urged upon Regional Director West of the Bureau of Reclamation the importance of making a definite decision as quickly as possible and not later than this month. I understand that data are still being collected and analyzed, and realize the difficulty in making prognostications of this nature. I feel, however, that I should call to your attention the significance that the determination has to the Government of Mexico. That Government is being severely crticized in Mexico for its continuing efforts to find a solution to the salinity problem through study and discussion with the United States, rather than through international consideration or adjudication. Recent reduction in acreages in the Mexicali Valley following a reduction in allocations of water for the Mexicali Valley occasioned public demonstrations. The United States is being accused of forcing a curtailment of crops and farm incomes in that area. In these circumstances, the release of additional water at a time or in a manner so that Mexico cannot utilize it effectively would bring a strong adverse reaction in Mexico. I hope The Honorable Stewart L. Udall, Secretary of the Interior.Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 24 bit, 3,276,800 byte