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Show -77- Senator Butler. The statement that you just made, Mr. Parker, almost answers the question that I had in mind. Your presentation has been very interesting, and if you had not told us, to begin with, that you were not a lavn/er, I would put you down as a first-class lawyerp I would like, as a layman, to ask you a question directly, and that is if, in your opinion, the Federal rights are not in every v/ay protected by the compact that is rpoposed? Mr. Parker. In my opinion, they are, Senator Butler. Senator Butler* That is the'answer I wanted. Senator liillikin. Mr. Parker, you are personally familiar with that whole basin? Mrs Parker. Yes, sir. Senator Killikin. You have been over it? Mrr Parkero Yes, sir* Senator Butler. You are also familiar with the few proposed changes, I call them, in the bill--maybe I should call them amendments-changing the title, and the other minor changes that have been suggested here? Mr. Parker. Yes, sir. There was just one minor suggestion, I do not think it is at all important. But, I intended to stress the desire on the part of everyone participating in these negotiations tc work out a compact which would provide for the best use of the waters for multiple purposes• Although it would not be at all essential to put language for that purpose in the title, such language might be appropriate. Senator ",7herry. Hay I ask a question, Mr. Chairman? » Senator McCarran. Yes, Senator. Senator TJherry. As I understand your interpretation of this act, it will protect the irrigation farmer from being divested of any water rights that he will get under this proposed compact when he starts up an irrigation farm, and continues to operate; is that right? Mr. ..-arker. Once he has established that right under State law, I believe the provisions in article XI of the proposed compact and section 2 of the pend- ing bill would protect him. Senator T.'herry. It would not be taken away by the Federal Government? Mr. Parker. The provisions of article XI and that section 2 shoxild protect his interest, and will presumably result in the payment of any damages susta-ined. Senator UcCarran. Are there any other questions? |