Memorandum of Conversation on Colorado River Salinity Problem

Memorandum of Conversation: From J.F.Friedkin, Commissioner, "Colorado River Salinity Problem," July 31, 1964CONFIDENTIAL INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION UNITED STATES AND MEXICO 206 SAN FRANCISCO STREET EL PASO, TEXAS 79950 July 31, 1964 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O.BOX 1859 Ciudad Juárez, Chih, MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION PARTICIPANTS: The two Commissioners SUBJECT: Colorado River Salinity Problem COPIES TO: ARA/CMA, AmEmbassy, Mexico, D. F. (through ARA/CMA); the Commissioner; Secretary I advised the Mexican Commissioner at a luncheon yesterday that the State Department is now directing its attentions to a "gravity drain" solution to the Colorado River salinity problem, in view of Mexico's plans to increase treaty winter deliveries. I emphasized that no definite conclusion has been reached but Department views appeared strong toward such a solution. The Mexican Commissioner confirmed that Mexico's requirement is for direct return flows and agreed that such drains would provide such returns as nearly as practicable. He stated that Mexico's position is not to accept substitute waters, (i.e. well waters for direct returns). He expressed the view that Mexico would not accept a by-pass solution with continued pumping, unless it resulted in a salt balance index of 1.0:1. The Mexican Commissioner was informed that as soon as I received further instructions on the United States determination of the measures for a solution, I would meet with him again - probably within 10 days. He indicated he would await our advice before returning to Mexico City. J. F. Friedkin Commissioner JFF:mhc - 5 CONFIDENTIALEpson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 1,732,071 byte