Memorandum of Conversation on Colorado River Salinity

Memorandum of Conversation: From J.F. Friedkin, to the two Commissioners and the two Secretaries, "Colorado River Salinity," July 3, 1964, page 5CONFIDENTIAL -5- basis and principle of a solution; and second, to work out the steps to put it into effect. I then outlined for the Mexican Commissioner the steps contemplated by the United States under its proposal for a solution, with special attention to those requiring the cooperation of Mexico, as set forth in Part II of "Negotiating Position" memorandum, and briefly reviewed as follows: October 1964 1) Colorado River bypass channel; or, 2) If feasible and funds available, a separate bypass channel. [Under 1) there would be a reduction in pumping of 20,000 acre-feet in Wellton-Mohawk pumping, and with either 1)_or 2) tile drains will be installed on additional 5,000 acres]. October 1965 1) Colorado River bypass channel; or, 2) If feasible and funds available, a separate bypass channel. [Under 1) a pump reduction of 20,000 acre-feet, and under either there would be a total of 13,000 acres tile drained]. October 1966 By this time it should be determined whether to continue one of the above combination of measures or to adopt other measures or combination of measures. The Mexican Commissioner emphasized as he had at the first meeting, that while the "river bypass" measure may be acceptable for the first year, for the reason that no other is feasible, it could only be on a temporary interim basis since it would conflict with Mexico's irrigation program. The discussion brought out further that with a determination in 1966 of the final measures to be taken, if tile drainage is decided upon, two or more additional years would be required before they could be installed, so that interim measures would be required for an additional two years. Tentative Indications The Mexican Commissioner continues to carefully guard his statements. He is, and properly, seeking only to fully understand our proposal in order to be able to present it to his authorities. At the same time, he seems to be sincerely raising the questions on the points which he believes may prove to be hurdles to an agreement. His principal concern is clearly that 1.5:1 is too high. He wants evidence that such index reflects natural return flows. This is not now practicable. CONFIDENTIALEpson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 2,126,431 byte