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Show 480 Rio Grande Basin.-The situation in the Rio Grande Basin offers an illustration of the use of the treaty power in the development of a river basin.406 In 1924, Congress authorized the President to appoint com- missioners to cooperate with Mexican representatives in a study regarding the equitable use of the waters of the lower Rio Grande with a view to their proper utilization for irriga- tion and other beneficial uses.407 By a 1927 amendment, this authorization was extended to include a study of the lower Colo- rado River, and to make the purpose of the study the securing of information on which to base a treaty with Mexico relative to the use of the waters of these Rivers.408 The study was again broadened in 1935, this time to include the Tijuana River, and the purposes of the proposed treaty were enlarged to include use of the waters of these Rivers and "matters closely related thereto." 409 This 1935 legislation also authorized the American Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, to conduct technical and other investigations in relation to defining the international boundary, to flood control, to water resources, to conservation and utilization of water, and to sani- tation and other related matters upon the boundary.410 More- over, the President was empowered to construct, operate, and maintain on the Rio Grande all works or projects recommended as a result of such investigations and which he deems necessary and proper, or any project which may be provided for in a treaty with Mexico.411 The treaty between Mexico and the United States was nego- tiated in 1944 and became effective in 1945.412 It recited that 406 See supra, pp. 56-57. 407 Act of May 13,1924, § 1, 43 Stat. 118, as amended, 22 U. S. C. 277. 408 H. J. Res. 345 of March 3, 1927, 44 Stat. 1403, as amended, 22 U. S. C. 277. 409 Act of August 19,1935, 49 Stat. 660, as amended, 22 U. S. C. 277. 410 49 Stat. 660, as amended, 22 U. S. C. 277a. The Commission was then known as the International Boundary Commission, United States and Mexico. For its current title, see Treaty Series 994, Art. 2, 59 Stat. 1219, 1222. 41149 Stat. 660, as amended, 22 U. S. C. 277b. 412 Treaty Series 994, 59 Stat. 1219 (1945). |