Letter Discussing Proposals to Resolve the Salinity Problem

Letter: From McGeorge Bundy, to Senator Carl Hayden, November 7, 1964, page 2drainage facilities. Mexico suggested we reconsider the bypass canal proposal. The Mexican Government proposed we drop any reference to a commitment by the United States to keep the salts in WelltonMohawk drainage down to a l. 5:l salt balance index. Instead, Mexico suggested that all of the District's drainage be put in the extension canal to be wasted during the winter, except when Mexico requested that it be put in the river. Mexico was willing to accept all such drainage as in satisfaction of Mexico's treaty deliveries. This proposal was based on the assumption that there would be a continuous flow of about 900 cfs in the river without the District's drainage. This proposal would satisfy Mexico's irrigation requirements and also be consistent with terms of the Treaty. A part of the proposal is an undertaking by Mexico for extensive rehabilitation of the Mexicali Valley. We think that the Mexican proposal has real possibilities because it would be a practical solution and avoid all of the legal problems which have troubled us since the dispute arose in 1961. We are studying the proposal with the Department of the Interior to determine whether it is acceptable. I appreciate your continuing interest in this problem and I will keep you informed of developments. Sincerely yours, McGeorge Bundy The Honorable Carl Hayden United States Senate Washington, D. C.Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 2,057,208 byte