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Show -36- as are thousands of appropriators whose diversions and use antedate the compact An agreement entered into subsequent to the acquisition of their interests could not adversely affect them. The compact itself disclaims any intent to do so by Article VIII, which declares that- Present perfected rights to the beneficial use of waters of the Colorado River system are unimpaired by this compact. OBLIGATIONS TO INDIAN TRIBES. Because of its duties and obligations toward Indians, the United States has a special interest in certain lands within the areas affected by probable developments on the Colorado River. A considerable area of the lands is embraced within Indian reservations, Some progress in the irrigation of these lands has already been made. The interest of the United States in this regard is recognized and pro- tected by Article VII of the compact, which provides that-- Nothing in this compact shall be construed as affecting the obligations of the United States of America to Indian tribes. INTERESTS OF THE UNITED STATES UNDER THE FEDERAL WATER POWER ACT OF JUNE 10, 1920. Under the Federal water power act the United States provided a system for the granting of licenses for the construction of works for the develop- ment of power upon the public lands. This act is applicable to the Colorado River and lands lying along it. There are numerous large power sites, and various applications for licenses , for the use of its waters are now pending before the Federal Power Commission. The compact does not interfere 'in any way with the powers of the commission. The settlement of conflicting claims by the States, under the compact plan, should result in a more rapid development of the river possibilities as to power, as well as other purposes. The Federal Power Commission, through its chairman, the Secretary of War, on December 29, 1922, addressed a letter to the chairman of the Committee on Irrigation of Arid Lands, expressing approval of the compact, as followsj Federal Power Commission, Washington, December 29, 1922. (Secretary of War, chairman; Secretary of the Interior; Secretary of Agriculture; 0. C. Merrill, executive secretary.) Hon. Addis on T. Smith, Chairman Committee on Irrigation of Arid Lands, House of Representatives. |
