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N W en 0"') . . through Mexico was an agreement to permit Mexico to use 50% of the water divl$!rted by this Canal. The construction of the Boulder " Canyon Project made this canal no longer necessary and the All American Canal, entirely in United States territory, was constructed as a substitute. It is significant to note in the following quoted report that this canal endangered all Mexican irrigation in the Mexicali Valley. A part of this danger was due to the operation of the Boulder Canyon Project features within the United States and in part is due to the vagaries of the Colorado River flow. Acceptance of the Treaty thus firms up Mexico's irrigation water supply. ~ith the old Alamo Canal, and without the regulation pro- vided by the Boulder Canyon Project, the Mexican lands suffered water shortages because of the recurrent low flows in the Colorado River as, of course, did the American lands. With the regulation provided by the Boulder Canyon Project, and the Treaty provisions, the shortages have been eliminated. With the Alamo Canal abandoned for the exclusive service of Mexico, they were apparently able to irrigate approximately 297,000 acres. It is to be noted from Mr. West's report that this acre~ age has been expanded to 470,000 at present. Under the heading "ADVANTAGES OF THE TREATY WITH RESPECT TO THE COLORADO RIVER" the first paragraph states that the Treaty will make possible the in- crease in irrigated acreage from 297,000 acres to 494,000 acres provided, of course, as stated earlier in the report, more effi- cient irrigation practices are accomplished thus reducing the "coefficient of irrigation". "Coefficient of irrigation" has not diminished. However, the acreage to be irrigated with the admitted inefficient practices has increased to approximately the maximum aC1~eage estimated as being possible of irrigation with the most efficient irrigation practices. It is felt that we in the United States could agree with the conclusions set forth in this report wherein the statement is made that the Treaty not only solved the critical situation that existed with the irrigation of 297,000 acres but will permit the irrigation of an additional 200,000 acres, in Mexico, provided efficient irrigation practices are followed. With these thoughts in mind, it would appear that the benefits already accruing to Mexico, without one cent of cost to the Republic of Mexico, are sufficient justification for the United States to stand firm on the wording of the Treaty which provides for the minimum delivery of l.5 million acre-feet of water to the Republic of Mexico in accordance with the schedules of delivery provided in said Treaty. 3. Report of Adolpho Orive Alba, Enqineer and Executive Chairman of the National Irriqation Commission of Mexico, 1945. , ~ ,1 Information Bulletin #l8 ,:i :ii , ;1 i -9- January 12, 1962