OCR Text |
Show [S] Matters in connection with the proposed treaty between the United States and Mexico regarding the equitable division of the waters of the Colorado River have reached a point where a forecast, at least, can be ventured as to the probable basis of compromise which Mexico will agree to. I am imformed [sic] by irrigation engineers of this department that the terms tentatively agreed upon between the representatives of the respective Governments are as follows, namely: That each country will recognize all water rights in the Colorado River which have been initiated prior to the final adjustment of the contemplated treaty, providing such rights have been acquired through actual construction or beneficial use. That afterwards all irrigation carried out which has not initiated a right must share equally on a proportionate acreage basis in the cost of the necessary storage reservoirs. If no irrigation project is entered upon by this Government, it is not at all improbable that this great area of rich, irrigable land, approximating 150,000 acres, will be deprived of a water supply, unless the construction of extensive storage reservoirs is undertaken. Even eliminating Mexico from consideration, filings are being made by citizens and corporations upon the waters of this river, and if rights are to be initiated for these Indian lands, the work should be started at an early date, with a view to making a proper appropriation. The department is aware, and the subject has been brought to the attention of Congress, as is evidenced by the language of section 251 of the act of April 21, 1904 (33 Stat. L., 224), that a reclamation project was contemplated on the Colorado section is included in this exhibit as item A. |
Source |
Original book: [State of Arizona, complainant v. State of California, Palo Verde Irrigation District, Coachella Valley County Water District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, City of Los Angeles, California, City of San Diego, California, and County of San Diego, California, defendants, United States of America, State of Nevada, State of New Mexico, State of Utah, interveners] : California exhibits. |