Page 1

DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON July 5, 1963 Dear Mr. Secretary: In a meeting of the International Boundary and Water Commission on June 22, the Mexican Commissioner pointed out that the winter irrigation program for the Mexicali Valley was only three months away, and that it was important for Mexico to begin now to plan for it. He said that Mexico was anxious to know the measures which the United States proposed to adopt for reducing the salinity of Colorado River waters during the winter season. The United States Commissioner replied that the Bureau of Reclamation was proceeding with its plan for twenty-five additional wells which would permit selective pumping and reduce salinity this winter. The Mexican Commissioner wanted to know, however, the scheduled completion date for the additional wells and pumping installations, as well as information about any other measures contemplated for the winter season. The Mexican Commissioner added that much difficulty would be created for his Government if the proposed reduction in salinity did not begin on schedule and on a satisfactory basis. The Department would accordingly appreciate being furnished all pertinent information responsive to the Mexican Commissioner about the plans of the Department The Honorable Stawart L. Udall, Secretary of the Interior.Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 24 bit, 1,773,250 byte