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I I 1"5 . Bureau of Reclamation. At the June 7 meeting the Arizona men explained that they were exploring the possibility of making certain adjustments in the Central Arizona Bill which might improve its chances of approval by the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee. The principal modifications relate to the elimination from the bill of those portions of the project which concern the Arizona water distribution system. The elimination of these items will reduce the project cost by over $200,000,000.00. The Arizona representatives in attendance at this meeting expressed the idea that if they can not make satisfactory progress in Congress by August 1,1951, they will then give consideration to United States Supreme Court litigation to de- termine the controversies. They stated positively that they will keep the Upper Basin States advised as to their plans in regard to litigation. "In appraising the situation due consideration must be given to political factors. Attention is directed to the fact that Senator McFarland of Arizona, a Democrat and the Majority Leader of the Senate, must run for re-election in 1952 as must also Arizona's Congressman Murdock, a Democrat and the Chairman of the House Iuterior and Insular Affairs Committee. Also the situation in the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee is such that it is essential to secure Republican support in order to approve the bill. Arizona's influence in the Senate and in the Department of dustice is probably at a peak. The situation which will exist after the 1952 election is beclouded with uncertainty. "In sUlllll1ary,while the Colorado congressional delegation unanimously approves a policy of watchful waiting, it must be recognized that: "I. If the bill passes in its present form, it will contain the O'Mahoney- Millikin amendments granting the consent of the United States to joinder in snt and much pressure will be upon both Arizona and California to have such litigation. "2. If the modified Central Arizona bill does not secure approval by the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee, those who are now speaking officially for the State of Arizona will advise their State to institute the litigation so that it may be presented to the Supreme Court at the opening of its October, 1951, term. "Thus, while a policy of watchful waiting may be indicated, the Colorado Water Conservation Board must recognize that regardless of any action on its part there is a strong'possibility of litigation and the Board may well give consideration to the question as to whether or not the watchful waiting policy should be implemented in any way. ' , .... .... ,;"-:-4-:j, of the meetings above referred to, the desirabi:)..it;:.~i' pr-es:s~i: -:tor and construction of Upper Basin projects by alk~vailable means~s " ..... . --- ~ '\ .- ~ . "'" ~ t " --;.~ .... ,:: ~='j 2- ... - ~~ -- ~- -- ~ ,-,? -' ~ . , , "At all the authorization recognized. Respectfully submitted, Jean S. Breitenstein" JSBjis ' "' ,~.