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Show -32- As I understand, California holds to the belief that 4,600,000 acre-feet is an irreducible minimum. Arizona contends that a maximum of 4,200,000 acre-feet is the largest that she will consider. Personally, I am not wedded to either figure. The thing that is uppermost in my mind is to do equity and justice as nearly as can be done toward both States, and, at the same time, pass a bill that will be effectuated, and will secure the results which we all desire. I think we should adopt that course. The two States have exchanged views, they have negotiated, they have endeavored to reach an agreement, and until now have been unable to do so. This controversy does not affect those two States alone. It affects other States in the Union and the Government as well. Without undertaking to express my views either way upon the subject, I do think that if the two States are unable to agree upon a figure then that we, as a disinterested and friendly agency, should pass a bill which, according to our combined judgment, will justly and equitably settle the controversy. I suggested 4,400,000 acre-feet with that in view. I still hold to the belief that somewhere between the two figures we must fix the amount, and that this difference of 400,000 acre-feet should not be allowed to bar and preclude the passage of this important measure dealing with the enormous quantity of 15,000,000 acre-feet of water and involving seven States as well as the Government. Mr. King. Mr. President, will the Senator yield? Mr. Bratton. I yield. Mr. King. I will ask the Senator if it is not a fact that at the time when the governors' conference considered the matter and recommended a settlement upon a |
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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. |